The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, was recently sighted at the O’DA Art Gallery stand during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London.
The event, held from October 16 to 19 at Somerset House, features significant Nigerian representation, including galleries like O’DA Art among the participating exhibitors.
The gallery’s showcase, titled “Lines of Spirit”, highlights the works of Nigerian artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya.
A circulating video on social media captures the minister speaking to attendees at the gallery.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who also shared the video on X, confirmed the minister’s presence in the United Kingdom (UK).
“Finance minister Wale Edun visits an art exhibition in the UK. He is in the country for an officially sanctioned few days of rest from the rigours of managing the Nigerian economy,” Onanuga posted on his X account.
Edun had earlier been reported to be unwell and expected to travel abroad for medical attention.
On Sunday, Onanuga confirmed the minister’s health challenge.
Due to Edun’s condition, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), led the Nigerian delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings in Washington DC, United States.
Edun was said to have departed Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via a commercial flight before continuing his journey abroad for medical care.