FACT CHECK: President Tinubu’s NASDAQ Bell Ringing Claims

In recent reports, the office of President Bola Tinubu celebrated what they deemed a historical moment: the first African President to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ. But is this claim accurate? MANDY NEWS fact-checking dives into the narrative.

Claim: President Bola Tinubu is the first African president to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ on September 20, 2023.

Source of Claim: Reports from the Special Adviser of Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and multiple news outlets.

The Investigation:

1. President Bola Tinubu’s Ceremony: On September 20, 2023, President Bola Tinubu participated in the bell-ringing ceremony at NASDAQ. The event was held in Times Square, New York, in honor of the U.S. Chamber’s bell ringing ceremony with President Tinubu. This ceremony aimed to attract investors and bolster Nigeria’s economic image on the global stage.

2. Previous NASDAQ Bell Ringing Event: Our team found that on September 21, 2011, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania rang the NASDAQ closing bell. This event was themed around Global Health Commitments, focusing on Women’s Health and Cancers. Notable attendees included First Ladies, Health Ministers, and Global Health Leaders from various countries.

Fact-check Table:

Supporting Evidence: A statement from the NASDAQ’s official site in 2011 stated: “In honor of the occasion, President Kikwete of Tanzania, First Ladies, and Health Ministers, and Global Health Leaders will officially ring The NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell.”

Our Rating:

❌ PARTLY FALSE.

While it’s true that President Bola Tinubu rang the closing bell at NASDAQ, the claim that he is the first African President to do so is incorrect. That honor goes to President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania in 2011.

Recommended Reading: For a deep understanding of the relationship between the US and Nigeria, see U.S.-Nigeria Economic Relations.

Corrections & Clarifications: If you see an error or have more information about the topic, contact us here.

The fact-checking process by MANDY NEWS adheres to strict standards to ensure fairness and accuracy. For more on our methodology, please visit our Fact-Checking Section.