Tinubu arrives Lagos from UK for Eid-el-Fitr, urges empathy, unity among Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu Friday, arrive in Lagos, after a State Visit to the UK, urging Nigerian Muslims, in his Sallah message, to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month emphasising piety, empathy, and unity among humanity

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Following his recent two-day historic state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu early Friday, March 20, 2026, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria.

President Tinubu later joined other Muslim faithful to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in the city.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this in a statement, said the Presidential jet conveying Tinubu and his wife, First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, had touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, in Lagos, at 1.15 a.m.

The statement noted Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, wife of the governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and APC stalwarts received the President and his wife on arrival at the Lagos Airport.

Onanuga said as part of his Eid-el-Fitr programme in Lagos, the President would pray at the Eid prayer ground of the Dodan Barracks, Friday morning.

President urges rededication to virtues of Ramadan

In his Sallah message, President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasises piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

He also stated: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.

“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”

Prior to his departure from the UK, President Tinubu had met with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10, Downing Street, London, where the two countries agreed on a deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos, worth £746 million.

The President, in his speech on Downing Street ahead of bilateral talks, had described his state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, as “very thrilling and significant.

“We can not forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years.”

He noted that discussions covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and wider global challenges.

While in the UK, President Tinubu and his wife were hosted by His Majesty, King Charles III, to a State Banquet, at Windsor Castle, where he said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share more than just a history.

The Nigerian leader noted: “Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience.

“Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.’’

King Charles III and Queen Camilla earlier received the President and the First Lady at the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.

President Tinubu reviewed the guard of honor and was treated to a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

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