The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has faulted the heavy media attention given in Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu’s brief stumble during his official visit to Turkey, describing the reaction as misplaced and unnecessary.
Dabiri-Erewa said Turkish officials were surprised that the minor incident became headline news in Nigeria, even as it was ignored by mainstream media in Turkey, where focus remained on the outcomes of the President’s visit.
She disclosed this on Wednesday while reacting to a post on X by a user, Oguntoye Opeyemi, popularly known as Equityoyo, who criticised Nigerian media for amplifying what he described as a non-issue.
The user had written, “Not a single Turkish TV station reported the President’s accidental slip because it’s a non-issue. But Naija TV and national newspapers made it headline news.”
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa said, “Exactly. On ground here in Ankara, their officials were shocked to learn that it was an issue in Nigerian media and blogs.
One of them described it as silly and mischievous, and reiterated how their country was excited about the incredible success of the visit by @officialABAT, which is all over their media here.”
The NIDCOM boss stressed that the visit yielded positive diplomatic and economic outcomes, which, according to her, deserved more attention than what she termed a trivial moment blown out of proportion.
President Tinubu had travelled to Turkey on an official engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and deepening cooperation in critical sectors, including defence, energy and investment.
However, a short video clip showing the President momentarily losing his balance while disembarking from an aircraft went viral on social media, sparking widespread commentary and speculation.
Dabiri-Erewa urged the media to exercise restraint and professionalism, noting that undue sensationalism over minor incidents detracts from substantive national issues and Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements.
She added that Turkish media coverage of the visit focused largely on bilateral agreements, economic cooperation and diplomatic goodwill, reinforcing the success of the engagement rather than trivialising it.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment