(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially left Abuja to begin a working vacation in Europe as part of his 2025 annual leave.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the trip is expected to last ten working days, with the President splitting his time between France and the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made public through the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the leave officially commenced today.
According to the Presidency, the vacation is strictly a routine annual leave and does not have any connection to medical treatment or health-related concerns.
Officials close to the administration emphasized that Tinubu remains in good health and will continue to receive regular briefings while abroad.
The trip follows several high-level engagements at home, including recent political and security meetings in Katsina and Abuja.
These activities underscored the President’s packed domestic schedule before his departure.
Tinubu is expected to use the working vacation to rest and also engage in light consultations with key partners in Europe.
The Presidency clarified that no official bilateral meetings have been scheduled during the vacation period.
However, analysts note that Nigerian leaders often hold informal interactions with foreign stakeholders during such visits.
The President’s aides have assured Nigerians that governance will not be interrupted during his absence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to oversee government matters that require urgent attention while Tinubu is away.
Past administrations in Nigeria have also followed the practice of combining annual leave with working visits abroad.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari frequently used such opportunities to rest outside the country.
Critics have often questioned the necessity of traveling abroad for vacations instead of promoting local resorts.
Supporters, however, argue that foreign trips allow leaders to combine rest with discreet diplomatic engagements.
Tinubu’s absence comes at a time when Nigeria faces pressing economic and security challenges.
The naira’s volatility, rising food prices, and insecurity in several states remain major issues confronting the administration.
Despite these challenges, the government insists that taking an annual leave is necessary for the President’s wellbeing.
Officials argue that the smooth functioning of governance requires periodic rest for leaders to remain effective.
Tinubu’s return is scheduled immediately after the completion of his ten-day break.
He is expected to resume official duties in Abuja and continue overseeing key government programs.
The working vacation highlights the balance between leadership responsibilities and personal rest in the highest office of Nigeria.
It also reflects the ongoing debate over presidential trips abroad at critical national moments.
For now, the Presidency maintains that Tinubu’s absence is a normal routine and not a matter of national concern.
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