President Bola Tinubu hosted Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola to a private dinner in Paris, France, ahead of his expected return to Nigeria today after a four-week working vacation in the United Kingdom and France.
Otedola, Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc and Geregu Power Plc, disclosed the meeting on X, posting a photograph of both men smiling at the dinner table. He praised Tinubu’s “bold and forward-thinking reforms,” saying they have placed Nigeria’s economy on a path of sustainable growth. He cited top Nigerian firms on the FTSE Russell Frontier 50 Index, record NGX highs, rising foreign direct investment, renewed economic confidence, a unified and stable foreign exchange market, and foreign reserves of about $55 billion. “I remain proud of you, Mr. President!” he wrote.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week annual working vacation. He visited London before moving to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron on September 17 and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency extended his stay, announcing he would return September 29. He is expected to land at the presidential wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will receive him. He will remain in Lagos for official duties before returning to Abuja.
His prolonged absence and failure to attend the 81st UN General Assembly drew criticism from opposition groups, including a PDP faction and the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. The Presidency insisted Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and working abroad. Otedola’s public support appeared to counter health speculation.