President Buhari departs Abuja for South Africa (Photos)

President Buhari this afternoon October 2, departed Abuja for South Africa to begin a three-day official visit to South Africa.

The president left the Presidential Villa around 1:30 p.m. for Pretoria via the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

On his entourage are Ebonyi state governor Dave Umahi, Plateau state governor Simon Lalong and Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

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The visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks, the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by special envoys of Presidents Buhari and Ramaphosa.

While in Pretoria, the Nigerian leader will hold a bilateral meeting with his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss the welfare of Nigerians.

The two African leaders will also find common grounds for building harmonious relations among their respective citizens.

President Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the country to share in their experiences.

The president is expected back in Abuja on Friday.