Our Reporter, Abuja
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as a ceremonial outing that delivered little in terms of concrete benefits for Nigeria.
In a statement released after the trip, Momodu said he deliberately waited for the initial excitement surrounding the visit to subside before offering his assessment, noting that while the reception accorded the President was elaborate, the engagement lacked measurable outcomes.
Tinubu was hosted with pageantry at Windsor Castle by King Charles III—a development that drew commendation from supporters. However, Momodu faulted what he described as excessive celebration by some presidential allies, particularly comments suggesting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo would be envious of the reception.
He said such claims ignore historical context, recalling that in 2003, during Obasanjo’s administration, Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Abuja, accompanied by Prince Philip, who also attended official events in Lagos.
“Such chicanery. In 2003, during Obasanjo’s reign, 23 years ago, December 3-6, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the mother of today’s King, traveled to Abuja, Nigeria, Nigeria with The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In fact, The Duke was dispatched to Lagos to attend some events. This was the height, if not the peak, of Nigeria’s glory, on the world stage…,” Momodu asserted.
According to the publisher, that period reflected a time when Nigeria commanded significant international regard, adding that comparisons being drawn by Tinubu’s supporters were misplaced.
He further contrasted the economic trajectories of both administrations, pointing out that Nigeria secured substantial external debt relief under Obasanjo, whereas the country’s debt profile has expanded considerably in recent years.
Momodu also raised concerns about governance priorities, noting that several government officials travelled to the UK for the visit despite ongoing security and economic challenges at home.
“It suggests a disconnect,” he said, urging the administration to place greater emphasis on policies and actions that directly address the needs of Nigerians.
He maintained that foreign engagements should be evaluated based on tangible outcomes rather than ceremonial appeal, adding that citizens deserve clear evidence of benefits derived from such high-level trips.
