Nigerians on social media have been reacting to the decision of President Bola Tinubu to include a media personality, Toke Makinwa as part of his delegation at the COPE28 in Dubai.
The social media sphere was filled with outrage on Saturday, December 2, when it was discovered that Toke Makinwa, IBD Dende, and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu were listed among the 1,411 attendees representing Nigeria at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28.
Toke Makinwa’s inclusion in the delegate list particularly stirred controversies, as some netizens suggested she might be present as a mere ‘Item 7’ (a term in Nigeria referring to refreshments) for the influential personalities attending the event.
In response to the backlash, Toke Makinwa emphasized the global significance of COP28 in tackling climate change, featuring world leaders and industry influencers.
The media personality defended her presence in the delegation and injected a touch of humor by expressing anticipation for COP30 in Rio while playfully referring to herself as “Item number 7.”
She wrote, “When world leaders, Royalty, Climate change advocates and industry game changers gather to meet in Dubai to discuss how to save the planet, #Cop28 May your name be what the whole country decides to trend. (Amen). See you all at Cop30 in Rio Signed, Item number 7. #Cop28Dubai.”
Swipe to see some reactions below:
Toke Makinwa’s reactions
When world leaders, Royalty, Climate change advocates and industry game changers gather to meet in Dubai to discuss how to save the planet, #Cop28
May your name be what the whole country decides to trend. (Amen).
See you all at Cop30 in Rio
Signed,
Item number 7.🥉#Cop28Dubai
— Toke Makinwa (@tokstarr) December 2, 2023
Hi Twitter, by the way it’s been a minute. At this point I think my ass also needs its own account. Off to dinner in Dubai. 😜
— Toke Makinwa (@tokstarr) December 2, 2023
KanyiDaily had also reported how a Caucasian woman blocked President Bola Tinubu during a group photograph with King Charles and other dignitaries at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai.