TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, left Abuja for Daura, Katsina state, his hometown, for a week-long “private visit”.

This is the president’s first visit to his hometown in 2020.

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari will undertake private engagements while in Daura.

The statement said the president is also expected to participate in the next Wednesday’s virtual meeting of the federal executive council from his hometown.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is in Daura, Katsina State for a week-long private visit,” the statement read.

“The aircraft carrying the President from Abuja landed at 4:45pm on Friday at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina where he was received by the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, senior government officials and the heads of security agencies in the state.

“In Daura to receive President Buhari at the helipad were the Emir, His Highness Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, leading the members of the Emirate Council and a parade of colourful horse riders and courtiers.

“Shortly upon disembarkment, the President received the gift of a horse and a decorated sword in his capacity as Bayajiddan Daura from the Emir.

“While in Daura, President Buhari will carry out a number of private engagements but is expected to participate virtually in the meeting of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, to be presided over by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

“The President last visited his hometown in December 2019, having stayed away largely due to the global COVID-19 situation.”