President Buhari: 2016 in Photos

by Bayo Omoboriowo, Personal Photographer to President Buhari

Photographing the President is a consistently challenging task. Even more challenging is reviewing the thousands of photographs I take every couple of day, selecting, editing, captioning and arranging them into a compilation like this.

To tackle this challenge, I have drawn heavily on inspiration from the work of Pete Souza, President Obama’s official photographer, as well as the expectations of the good friends I have surrounded myself with who would not expect of me anything less than my best.

Even as a lot of the situations and scenarios I photograph tend to be routine ones, I try to ensure that the angles and perspectives are unique, for that is the only way to produce memorable work. Of this class of qualifying photos, I have carefully selected about 109, for this online album.

In my estimation, 90 percent of the work that goes into my images takes place in the framing of the shot, and in the clicking of the shutter. This is to say that the images you’re about to see in this compilation are only very lightly edited.

President Buhari participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2016. In taking this photograph, i was surprised every other photographer except me was at the other side of the President but i had to take the risk and at the end i love the image i was able to make out of it

President Buhari in a chat with Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, at the Presidential Wing of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates, shortly after arriving for the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. 17th Jan 2016

President Buhari recites the national anthem at the Presidential Reception in Honor of Victorious Men and Women of Sports in Nigeria at the Statehouse Banquet Hall on 21st Jan 2016

Presidential Reception in Honor of Victorious Men and Women of Sports in Nigeria at the Statehouse Banquet Hall on 21st Jan 2016

President Buhari tours the Brookside Diary Farm in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Company Chairman, Mr Muhoho Kenyatta, during the President’s 3-Day Official Visit to Kenya. 28th Jan 2016

President Buhari waves from the doorway of ‘001’ as he prepares to depart Addis Ababa after the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Ethiopia. 30th Jan 2016

President Buhari reviews a document in the Diplomatic Room before signing, while his Personal Assistant, Tunde Sabiu, looks on. 31st Jan 2016

President Buhari addressing the Plenary Session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg France on 3rd Feb 2016

President Buhari sits with the President of the European Parliament Mr Martin Schulz, and his aides, shortly before addressing the plenary session of the European Union in Strasbourg, France. 3rd February, 2016

President Buhari receives in audience Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Statehouse on 16th Feb 2016. WIth them is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

In a sober mood, President Buhari presides over The Federal Executive Council which also served as the Tribute session for the Late Minister of StateLabour and Productivity James Ocholi in Statehouse on 9th Mar 2016

President Buhari chats with Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as Minister of State Petroleum Ibe Kachikwu departs, after a Federal Executive Council meeting. 9th March 2016

President Buhari walks back to his office after a meeting, as Chief of Staff Abba Kyari keeps pace behind him. 10th March 2016

President Buhari tours National Park in Malabo and meets with Nigeria Community in Malabo at the sidelines of the 2 day state visit on 15th Mar 2016

President Buhari moments before a bilateral meeting with H.E. Lars L. Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark, on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit at the Walter Washington Convention Centre, Washington DC. 1st April 2016

President Buhari makes his way up the steps of ‘001’, after attending the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. 2nd April 2016

President Buhari reviews the 2016 budget, in the private office at his Residence. 10th April 2016

Security Personnel stand outside while the President relaxes, during a stop-over at Muscat International Airport, Oman, enroute to China for a State Visit. 11th April 2016

As part of the President’s State Visit to People’s Republic of China, he was taken on a tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City. 12th April 2016

The Coats and Caps come off. President Buhari and Minister of Power, Works and Housing disrobe at the end of a tour of the Nuclear Technology Plan, in Beijing, China. 13th April 2016

The President briefly turns airplane pilot, as he inspects a cockpit during a visit to the Commercial Aircraft Cooperation of China Ltd, as part of his State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. 13th April 2016

The President enjoys a boat tour in Guanghzou Province, at the end of his State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. 14th April 2016

he President enjoys a boat tour in Guanghzou Province, at the end of his State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. 14th April 2016

The President admires a photograph, during a technical stop-over at Muscat International Airport, Oman, enroute to China for a State Visit. 11th April 2016

President Buhari with his Grand Daughter on 22nd April 2016

President Buhari in a meeting with Northern leaders in his residence. 30th April 2016

President Buhari and HE Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroun, review a line-up of framed images of past Presidents of Nigeria, in the Diplomatic Room, during a State Visit. 3rd May 2016.

President Buhari greets Palace guards ahead of a Lunch hosted in the President’s honor at the Emir’s Palace in Daura, Katsina State. 8th May 2016

President Buhari and the Emir of Daura HRH Alhaji Dr Faruk Umar Faruk share a joke during a Lunch hosted in the President’s honor at the Emir’s Palace in Daura, Katsina State. 8th May 2016

President Buhari ascends a flight of stairs with the Secretary-General of Commonwealth Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, shortly before delivering his Keynote Address at the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Conference for Civil Society, Business and Government Leaders at the Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House London. 11th May 2016

President Buhari during a question-and-answer session shortly after delivering his Keynote Address at the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Conference for Civil Society, Business and Government Leaders at the Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House London. 11th May 2016

President Buhari is welcomed by Prince Charles and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, as he arrives Clarence House London, United Kingdom, for a visit. 12th May 2016

President Buhari in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron on the sidelines of the Anti-Corruption Summit at the Lancaster House London, United Kingdom. 12th May 2016

President Buhari listens to his Chief of Staff Abba Kyari ahead of a Lunch in honor of visiting President of France H.E. Francoise Hollande on 14th May 2016

President Buhari participates at the Programme of 2nd Regional Security Summit (Abuja 2016) at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on 14th May 2016

President Buhari receives Rescued Chibok Girl Amina Ali and Family in State House on 19th May 2016

President Buhari walks from his residence to the Presidential Banquet Hall, where he is hosting members of the State House Press Corps to Lunch. 30th May 2016

President Buhari chats with APC chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a Presidential Dinner in honour of members of the National Assembly. 30th May 2016

President Buhari walks into the Drawing Room for a meeting on 31st May 2016. I came up with the idea of framing and and displaying these photos just outside the Drawing Room because it is the President’s most-used meeting room.

President Buhari joins in prayers shortly after receiving in audience, The Primate and Archbishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Statehouse on 3rd June 2016

President Buhari inspects a Guard of Honour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, on arrival from a 10-day vacation in London. 19th June 2016

President Buhari’s children, Yusuf, Halima and Anan, pay him a surprise visit in his office. 20th June 2016

President Buhari addresses State House Staff, outside his Office. 21st June 2016

President Buhari laughs during a farewell audience with the Outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. James F. Entwistle. 12th July 2016

President Buhari is joined by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for a dinner for party leaders, to mark the end of the day’s Ramadan fasting, at the Presidential Banquet Hall. 24th June 2016

President Buhari enjoys a moment alone during a dinner for business executives, to mark the end of the day’s Ramadan fasting, at the Presidential Banquet Hall. The rest of his table has gone to get their food. 27th June 2016

President Buhari receives a briefing from Governor Al-Makura Tanko of Nasarawa State, on the State’s new Mass Housing Project. 28th June 2016

President Buhari prepares to take his seat, ahead of an audience with with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State. 30th June 2016

Emir of Daura HRH Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk and his Palace Guards pray for President Buhari at the end of the President’s visit to Daura, Katsina State. 4th July 2016

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, tries to get her nephew to smile during the Eid El-Fitri celebrations at home. 6th July 2016

President Buhari salutes one of his aides as he returns to Abuja after his interaction with troops of HQ 1 BDE in Dansadau Zamfara State as part of the 2016 Nigerian Army Day celebration on 13th July 2016

President Buhari leafs through a document in his office. 14th July 2016

President Buhari and his daughter Halimat show a photo to grand-daughter Ayush, in his office, after Halimat’s Call to Bar Ceremony. 14th July 2016

President Buhari delivers an address shortly before flagging-off commercial operations on the Abuja-Kaduna segment of the Nigerian Railway Modernization Project in Idu, Abuja. 26th July 2016

President Buhari and H.E. Mr Faure Gnassingbe, President of Republic of Togo walk to the Diplomatic Room, in the President’s Wing, for a meeting. 2nd August 2016

President Buhari gestures as he bids farewell to H.E. Mr Faure Gnassingbe, President of Republic of Togo, after a meeting at the State House. 2nd August 2016

President Buhari and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan during a meeting in the President’s Office. 3rd Aug 2016

Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele takes President Buhari on a tour of the Bank Headquarters in Abuja shortly the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the Association of African Central Banks (AACB). 18th August 201

A flash of light from my colleague’s camera makes an appearance as President Buhari welcomes former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon in his office. 23rd August 2016

President Buhari studies a document shortly before receiving Alaafin of Oyo, HRH Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in his office. 25th Aug 2016

President Buhari shares a joke with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Acting High Commissioner Mr. Friday Okai, and Minister of Budget & National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, upon arrival at Jomo Kenyata International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya to attend the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI). 26th Aug 2016

President Buhari joins other world leaders for a group photo shortly after the Opening Session of the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) in Nairobi Kenya. 27th Aug 2016

Standing in the doorway of 001, President Buhari displays his trademark greeting to the waiting crowd, as he arrives Osun State to commission Osogbo Government High School Osun, in celebration of Osun State’s 25th Anniversary. 1st Sept 2016

President Buhari and Osun State Governor H.E. Rauf Aregbesola acknowledge cheers from the crowd at the commissioning of Osogbo Government High School Osun, in celebration of Osun State’s 25th Anniversary. 1st Sept 2016

President Buhari shakes hand with Lois Auta, one of the 30 Winners of the ‘Aso Villa Demo Day’ (AVDD) Contest, after a group photograph, at State House. 2nd Sep 2016

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, and Minister of State Abubakar Bawa Bwari, show President Buhari a Map outlining nickel deposits in Northern Nigeria, in his Office. 2nd Sept 2016

Presidential Selfie: President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo moments after their meeting with Facebook’s founder and Chief Executive Officer Mr Mark Zuckerberg. 2nd Sep 2016

President Buhari bids farewell to the crowd at the Benin City Airport, after attending the grand finale of the Edo State APC Governorship Campaign Rally. 6th Sep 2016

A boy gazes intently at a photograph of President Buhari emblazoned on a Children’s Day greeting card presented to him by the Guards Brigade. 16th Sep 2016

President Buhari walks into a private lounge during a technical stop over in Santa Maria, Portugal, enroute to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. 17th Sep 2016

President Buhari with President Obama after a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting (UNGA 71) in New York on 20th Sep 2016

President Buhari departs the United Nation’s Headquarters Great Hall after addressing World Leaders at the 71st General Assembly in New York. 20th Sep 2016

President Buhari and his wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, shortly after the President addressed World Leaders at the 71st United Nations General Assembly, in New York. 20th Sep 2016

President Buhari exits the stage after addressing Heads of Government and CEOs at the US Africa Business Forum in New York. 21st Sep 2016

President Buhari confers with the Presidents of Niger and Chad and other officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. 23rd Sep 2016

Alhaji Aliko Dangote points out a product on his Company Stand, during the President’s tour of Exhibition Stands at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. 29th Sep 2016

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo jokes with President Idris Deby Itno of Chad, as President Buhari and Former President Gen. Yakubu Gowon look on, shortly before the Public Presentation of a Book titled, ‘Buhari: The Challenge of Leadership’, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. 3rd Oct 2016

President Buhari delivering his address at the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG 2016), at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. 10th Oct 2016

President Buhari ushers Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, to a seat in his office, during a courtesy visit by the former President. 10th Oct 2016

President Buhari inspects a Guard of Honour as he arrives Berlin, Germany, on an Official Visit. 13th Oct 2016

President Buhari takes a stroll with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her office in Berlin, Germany, on an Official Visit. 14th Oct 2016

President Buhari and German President Joachim Gauck make their way into the Presidential Villa, in Berlin, during President Buhari’s Official Visit. 14th Oct 2016

President Buhari in a chat with some business leaders outside the Commerzbank Building in Berlin, Germany after participating at a Business Forum on 14th Oct 2016

President Buhari visits convalescing Brigadier General MSA Aliyu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, Jos, in a Berlin Hospital. 15th Oct 2016

Three of the rescued Chibok girls smile in the Press Gallery of the State House, as they await the arrival of President Buhari to receive them and their parents. 19th Oct 2016

President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo take a photograph with the 21 Chibok Girls, after receiving them at the State House. 19th Oct 2016

President Buhari while holding Parley Meeting with Participants of the Senior Executive Course 38, 2016, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Karu in State House on 2nd Nov 2016

President Buhari acknowledges cheers from the crowd during a Mini Durbar in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in Sokoto. 5th Nov 2016

President Buhari takes a tour of the New Central Hospital, Benin City, shortly after he commissioned it, during his Official Visit to Edo State. 7th Nov 2016

President Buhari enjoying Moroccan hospitality on arrival in Marakech for the Climate Change Conference COP 22. 14th Nov 2016

President Buhari adjusts his ‘Aketi’ snapback during the grand finale of the APC Governorship Campaign Rally, in Akure, Ondo State. 19th Nov 2016

President Buhari participates at the Working Session of the 4th Africa-Arab Summit in Malabo Equatorial Guinea on 23rd Nov 2016

President Buhari signs the Guest Register at the Presidential Lounge of the Malabo International Airport, preparatory to his departure, after participating in the 4th Africa-Arab Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. 23rd Nov 2016

President Buhari poses for a picture after his Investiture as Grand Patron of the Nigerian Academy of Engineers, at the State House. 29th Nov 2016

President Buhari receives the Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers HRM Eze (Dr) Eberechi N. Dick (JP), Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and the Executive Secretary of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, at the State House. 1st Dec 2016

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI stops to admire artwork from the State House collection, as he and President Buhari make their way to the Drawing Room to sign agreements, during the King’s State Visit to Nigeria. 2nd Dec 2016

President Buhari joins President Macky Sall of Senegal and other Heads of Government, shortly before the start of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. 6th Dec 2016

President Buhari receives the Organizing Committee of the President Buhari National Open Water Swimming Competition. The Committee visited to present to him the Trophy the eventual Winner will receive. 9th Dec 2016.

President Buhari with fellow West African leaders — H.E. Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, President of Islamic Republic of Gambia H.E. Sheikh Prof. Alh. Dr. Yahya Jammeh, President of Sierra Leone H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma and President of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama –at a Meeting with the President of Islamic Republic of Gambia H.E. Sheikh Prof. Alh. Dr. Yahya Jammeh, as part of the High Level UN/AU/ECOWAS Joint Mission, at the Gambian State House. 13th Dec 2016

It is rare to see three Presidents (Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone) together on the same plane, not to talk of seeing them turn around to wave at the same time, just before they disappear from sight. Though blurry, on account of the lighting — it was late at night — I consider this one of my most memorable images.

President Buhari reviewing a draft of his 2017 Budget Speech late at night aboard ‘001’, en route to Abuja, after taking part in the Ecowas Mediation Mission in Banjul on 13th Dec 2016. He was scheduled to present the Speech to the National Assembly the next day

The President’s Personal Assistant, Sabiu Tunde presents him with a gift — a painting from a Gambian national, given in appreciation of the President’s Mediation Mission in the Gambia — as ‘001’ prepares to depart Banjul for Nigeria. 13th Dec 2016

President Buhari reviews a Parade by the Guards Brigade during the unveiling ceremony for the Nigerian Naval Ships NNS Unity and NNS Karaduwa at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos. 15th Dec 2016

President Buhari enjoys the view through a telescope presented to him by the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas, in appreciation of his visit to Lagos to unveil the Nigerian Naval Ships NNS Unity and NNS Karaduwa, at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos. 15th Dec 2016

President Buhari inspects a Guard of Honour assembled for his 74th Birthday, at the State House. 17th Dec 2016

The Presidential Chopper prepares to land, as President Buhari arrives for the Open Induction Course for newly-appointed career Ambassadors at the NIA Headquarters, Abuja. 19th Dec 2016

President Buhari receives a tour of the new National Intelligence Agency (NIA) headquarters in Abuja, from Director-General, Amb. Ayodele Oke, shortly before the Open Induction Course for newly-appointed career Ambassadors. 19th Dec 2016

President Buhari welcomes the President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, to State House. 20th Dec 2016

President Buhari signs an agreement for Nigeria’s ratification of the World Trade organization WTO trade facilitation and trade related aspects of the Intellectual property rights on 29th Dec 2016