Bola Tinubu touches down in Lagos ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos in the early hours of Friday, following a historic two-day visit to the United Kingdom, and is set to join other Muslims in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr later in the day.

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The President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 1:15 am, where they were greeted by various dignitaries.

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Among those who received the President at the airport were Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the governor.

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Other notable figures who welcomed the President included APC stalwarts, who were on hand to receive him at the tarmac.

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As part of his Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Lagos, President Tinubu is scheduled to pray at the Eid prayer ground of the Dodan Barracks on Friday morning.

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In his Sallah message, President Tinubu urged Nigerian Muslims to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the holy month, which emphasizes unity, empathy, and piety among humanity.

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The President emphasized the importance of upholding virtues such as selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion, even beyond the Ramadan period, stating "We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this."

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Before departing London, President Tinubu met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where the two countries agreed on a £746m deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.

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President Tinubu described his state visit to the UK, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, as "very thrilling and significant" in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

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The President noted that discussions with the UK Prime Minister covered a range of topics, including trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and global challenges, saying "We can not forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years."

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President Tinubu and his wife were hosted to a State Banquet by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, where the President emphasized the shared vision and values between Nigeria and the UK.

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The President stated that the two nations "share a vision of progress and resilience" and are committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

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Earlier, King Charles III and Queen Camilla had received the President and the First Lady at the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, where President Tinubu reviewed the guard of honor and was treated to a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.