“I’m strong, ready to work,” Tinubu dismisses rumours of ill health after returning from four-week European vacation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, saying he is hale, healthy and ready to resume his duties.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday evening after arriving in Lagos from Paris, where he spent the latter part of his working vacation.

Responding to journalists who raised concerns about his health, the President said he remained fit and prepared to continue carrying out his responsibilities.

“Rumours will always be emanate from politics. I am hale and strong. I am ready to work. The fact remains that I am here, healthy, sound and ready to go,” Tinubu said.

The President left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, with the Presidency describing the trip as a working vacation. He subsequently extended his stay by a few days before returning to Nigeria on Tuesday.

His extended absence from the country had sparked public and political debate, with opposition figures questioning the duration of his stay abroad and his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to oversee government affairs while abroad.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly.

While in France, Tinubu met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency also linked the trip to meetings with investors and discussions on major investment projects, including the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun State.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

He is scheduled to participate in official engagements in the state, including activities marking the country’s independence on October 1, before returning to Abuja.