Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who was recently reported to be receiving medical treatment abroad, made a surprise public appearance in London on Wednesday.
A short video circulating on social media captured the ailing minister at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the ongoing 1-54 London Art Fair, an annual event celebrating contemporary African art.
In the clip, Edun was seen accompanied by a male aide while casually interacting with a female official of the Fair, a scene that has sparked mixed reactions online given earlier reports about his health.
Earlier reports indicated that Edun had fallen ill and initially sought treatment in Nigeria.
The minister’s health challenges were confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
However, a follow-up report by Western Post revealed that Edun had travelled to the United Kingdom for further medical attention.
Due to his condition, Edun reportedly chose not to attend this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. In his absence, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the global finance meetings, which began on Tuesday, October 14.
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