The flowers were handed over to the President at the private lounge of their residence at the Presidential Villa by the First Lady who spotted a Navy blue dress which was laced with stones.
Those who witnessed the symbolic ceremony were the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs.Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady, Mrs. Hajo Sani; one of the daughters of the President; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Alh. Abdulazeez Yari, and the wives of some governors.
The President, who was caught unawares by the rare present, was beaming with smiles to the admiration of all.
According to a celebrated florist, Michael Gaffney, Gardenias is “ loaded with fragrance.”
He added: “These elegant flowers signify purity and joy, and connote deep, old-fashioned love.
“The man who buys these likely has a history with the woman he’s buying them for. Because they’re pricey and are sold as single blooms…”
Apart from the flower scene, Hajiya Aisha openly shook hands with the President and hugged him when she sighted her husband.
Many women including the wife of the Vice President and a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Paullen Tallen were excited to witness the reunion.
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State yesterday described the safe return to Nigeria of President Muhammadu Buhari as the best giftNigerians have had this year.
He commended Nigerians for the outpouring of love and support they expressed during the President’s medical vacation abroad, and his eventual return.
Masari said: “All praise be to Allah, the Almighty, who has answered our collective prayers by returning the President back to us hale and hearty to continue leading us in the just, fair and sincere manner that are his trademark over the years.
“The President’s safe return today is so far the best gift we as Nigerians have so far had this year.”
The governor, who made these observations yesterday in reaction to the return of the President from a 50-day medical trip to the United Kingdom, also lauded Nigerians for their prayers for the health and wellbeing of President Buhari while he was away.
Katsina State had witnessed a series of prayer and fasting sessions organized institutionally and privately, by both Muslims and Christians for the health of the President and the welfare of the nation.
Masari urged Nigerians to always put their leaders and country in thoughts and prayers, saying that with positive thoughts and prayers, the country would overcome any challenges confronting it. (The Nation)