‘Obamas, Trumps did it’ — presidential aide defends Tinubu’s sons inclusion on official Qatar delegation

O’tega Ogra, senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, says it is not unusual for members of the president’s family to accompany him on a trip.

A list circulating on social media shows Seyi and Yinka, sons of Tinubu, were included on the president’s entourage to Qatar elicited a debate on social media platforms.

Tinubu will be in Qatar on a business and investment forum proposed by the federal government on March 2.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Ogra said taking children on such trips is a way of educating them about world affairs and different cultures.

Someone sent this to me 🙏🏾:

“Interestingly Dubya’s (George W. Bush) where he represented his dad as the U.S Special envoy at Gambia’s 25th independence celebration. A seemingly frivolous affair. His father sent him to tiny Gambia in 1990 for a jolly party marking 25 years of…

— O'tega Ogra (@otegaogra) February 27, 2024

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“It is not uncommon for children of world leaders to accompany their parents on foreign trips. In fact, it is the norm. Canadian PM Trudeau is known to travel with his family on official trips abroad. Same with UK PMs – even if somewhat muted,” the president’s aide wrote.

“From the public image and diplomacy angle, bringing family members can soften a leader’s public image and aid in diplomatic relations by showcasing a relatable, family-oriented side.

“For some leaders, taking their children on such trips is a way of educating them about world affairs and different cultures. Others do it to maintain some semblance of family life, despite the demands of public office, and for security considerations.

“The Obamas, Clintons, Bushs, Trumps and others went on tons of foreign trips whilst in office with their families.”

Ogra added that “we need to stop majoring in minors in the name of castigating everything”.