President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja after spending two weeks in Lagos, where he took part in various official engagements and joined other Muslim faithful to celebrate the Eid al-Adha festival.
He departed Lagos via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, accompanied by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior government officials, before flying to the Federal Capital Territory.
Shortly after his arrival in Abuja, Tinubu attended the inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated and refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, located in the capital city.
Speaking at the event, the president praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing efforts to transform Abuja. He advised Wike to remain focused on his mandate and not to be distracted by critics.
“And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that,” Tinubu said. “Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight, and determination to succeed.”
President Tinubu had been in Lagos since 27 May 2025. While in the state, he attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), took part in the Eid al-Adha observance, and commissioned multiple projects.
On 31 May, he officially inaugurated Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—a 30-kilometre, six-lane segment. Just five days later, he flagged off the reconstruction of the access road leading to the Lekki Deep Seaport. The flag-off ceremony was attended by captains of industry, government functionaries, and other notable figures.
During his time in Lagos, Tinubu hosted a series of high-profile guests, including present and former governors, top-ranking All Progressives Congress (APC) officials, and political allies.
Among those who visited him was Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.
There had been widespread speculation suggesting a rift between Tinubu and the governor, but the visit appeared to dispel those rumours.
Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described his relationship with the president as that of a father and son, dismissing the alleged feud. “There is none. There are people Catholic than the Pope; they cry more than the bereaved,” he said.
“Father and son (affairs) are things that we always ensure that we clear. There is nothing at all. He is my father and my leader, and we are grateful that he has given us the audience to say hello to him today,” he added.
