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VIDEO: Tinubu departs for three-state tour on Obasanjo-era jet
President Tinubu Travels to Borno, Bauchi, Lagos Using 20-Year-Old Boeing 737 Jet Earlier Listed for Sale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday departed Abuja for Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos aboard the 20-year-old Boeing 737 Business Jet (BBJ) that was earlier listed for sale in July but later delisted due to poor buyer interest and low offers.
The aircraft, acquired in 2005 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has served several Nigerian governments before it was briefly put up for sale as part of the Tinubu administration’s cost-cutting measures.
Ahead of the President’s visit, the Borno State Police Command announced the deployment of tactical teams, surveillance squads, and operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit across the state to ensure maximum security.
Details of Tinubu’s Multi-State Visit
President Tinubu departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 11:45am, beginning a multi-state working visit and holiday tour that includes project inaugurations, condolence visits, and festive engagements.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary includes the following:
- Inauguration of projects in Maiduguri executed by Governor Babagana Zulum in collaboration with the Federal Government
- Attendance at a wedding ceremony in Borno State
- A condolence visit to Bauchi over the death of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi
- Yuletide and New Year celebrations in Lagos
Return of the Obasanjo-Era Aircraft
The President’s use of the Obasanjo-era jet, with tail number 5N-FGT, confirms its unannounced return to active service following the failure to sell it earlier this year.
The Federal Government had withdrawn the aircraft from the international sales platform operated by US-based marketing firm JetHQ in early December after months of unsuccessful attempts to attract acceptable bids.
Originally purchased for $43 million in 2005, the aircraft remained in service until August 2024, when the Tinubu administration received a refurbished Airbus A330-200 for presidential use.
Despite undergoing partial refurbishment and major C1-C2 inspections at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland, in July 2024, potential buyers reportedly offered as low as $10 million for the jet, a figure considered far below government expectations, according to senior presidency officials who spoke to www.cjsoftflix.com .
Activities in Borno and Bauchi
While in Maiduguri, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key infrastructure projects completed by the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, in partnership with the Federal Government.
The President will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.
From Borno, Tinubu will proceed to Bauchi State to condole with the government and family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the revered Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, who passed away on November 27 at the age of 101.
Lagos Festivities and Eyo Festival
Following the condolence visit, President Tinubu will travel to Lagos, where he is expected to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays.
He is also scheduled to serve as Guest of Honour at the Eyo Festival holding on December 27 at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
The festival will honour notable personalities, including the President’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and business icon Chief Michael Otedola.
For more verified political news, aviation updates, and exclusive reports, visit www.cjsoftflix.com , your trusted destination for Nigerian news and media coverage.
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