Ijebu-Ode (Ogun) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as part of activities marking the 40 years anniversary of the state.
The president, who arrived at exactly 6:20 p.m. amidst tight security, was welcomed Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, the Awujale and other notable indigenes of Ogun.
Buhari , who was in Ogun to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the state’s creation, is also expected to inaugurate 40 landmark projects embarked upon by Amosun.
The president was welcomed with a loud ovation by supporters who chanted ‘Sai Buhari’ as he emerged from his vehicle.
The president immediately proceeded into the inner chambers of the palace for a closed door meeting with the monarch and other dignitaries.
At a dinner attended by the president, Amosun thanked everyone for the honour given to the president.
“I want to thank everyone for the honour given to the president who is also eager to reciprocate the support given to him by Ogun people during the last elections,” Amosun said.
Buhari, in a response, said he was elated by the gesture and warm reception, saying he would always be willing to be associated with the Awujale for his remarkable support for him.
“ I sincerely apologise for coming later than expected; it was due to the visit of the Spanish Prime Minister earlier today.
“The Kabiyesi is someone I will always honour and I’m very grateful for his support to me and this government,” Buhari said.
The Awujale, in his remarks, thanked the president for honouring him with the visit, pledging his total support for the success of the administration.
“You coming here is not as a visitor but as the home owner. I thank you for making yourself available as promised to the service of all Nigerians.
“We want to assure you that we are with you in your fight to liberate Nigeria from corruption, insecurity and other vices.
“We know that under you, this nation will develop and attain its goals to the admiration of the world and comity of nations,” Adetona said.
The president subsequently asked to take his leave as he proceeded to the state capital, Abeokuta, to perform other state duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 51 traditional rulers and 41 high chiefs were present at the occasion.
Others present were Mr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture as well as former Ogun governors– Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel.
Business tycoons, Chief Mike Adenuga, Otunba Subomi Balogun and Mr Dapo Abiodun, were also present.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an official visit to France and Britain on Tuesday, Feb. 2, a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, said on Monday.
The statement quoted Adesina as saying that Buhari would stop in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday and address a special session of the European Union Parliament to be attended by members of the executive and legislative arms of the Union.
The President’s address was expected to focus on terrorism, violent extremism, corruption, Nigeria and Africa’s current security, economic and developmental challenges, he added.
He noted that the address would also focus on the need for greater support from the EU and advanced nations for their rapid resolution on the challenges.
“President Buhari will also hold talks with the President of the European Parliament, Mr Martin Schulz, and the President of the European Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, on the same issues,’’ the spokesman said.
According to him, Buhari will leave Strasbourg for London to join other world leaders at the Supporting Syria and The Region Conference scheduled to open in the British capital on Thursday, Feb. 4.
The conference is being co-hosted by Britain, Germany, Norway, Kuwait and the United Nations.
The President would use the opportunity of his participation in the conference to continue his push for more global understanding, collaboration and support for Nigeria and other countries in the frontlines of the war against terrorism, Adesina said.
He added that most of the countries were striving to overcome the adverse effects of insurgency on the affected populations.
Adesina said Buhari would be back in Nigeria at the weekend.
