Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Buhari gifted Obama $2,260 mat, leather covers after winning 2015 presidential election

According to the State Department, the gifts were received on July 19, 2015. Mr Buhari was sworn in as president on May 29.

• July 21, 2023
Muhammadu Buhari and Barrack Obama (Credit: New York Times)
Muhammadu Buhari and Barrack Obama (Credit: New York Times)

Former President Muhammadu Buhari gifted ex-United States President Barack Obama a mat with a geometric pattern some weeks after winning the 2015 presidential election, a U.S. State Department document seen by Peoples Gazette shows.

The document indicated that the gift included a “7′ diameter circular leather mat with geometric pattern and “three 28′ diameter leather covers for seating pads.”

According to the State Department, the gifts were received on July 19, 2015. Mr Buhari was sworn in as president on May 29. Mr Obama was accused by the Peoples Democratic Party of unduly interfering in the 2015 presidential election to the disadvantage of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The U.S. government said the gifts’ estimated value was $2,260.00.

The gifts of Mr Buhari were contained in the details of items presented to Mr Obama in the annual filing by the U.S. agency’s protocol office.

Several gifts U.S. presidents receive from foreign leaders are deposited in the National Archives and Records Administration.

The gifts include tangible gifts and gifts of travel or travel expenses of more than minimal value, as defined by the statute, noted the document

“Also included are gifts received in previous years, including one in 2010, one in 2012, 17 in 2013, two in 2014, two in 2015, and 34 in 2017. These latter gifts are being reported in this year’s report for calendar year 2018 because the Office of the Chief of Protocol, Department of State, did not receive the relevant information to include them in earlier reports,” the agency explained.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Waidi Shaibu

Abuja

COAS inaugurates 114 housing units for troops in Abuja

Mr Lar said quality accommodation would boost morale, strengthen operational readiness and improve the wellbeing of personnel and their families.

CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso and Femi Gbajabiamila

Anti-Corruption

CBN opened domiciliary accounts for Gbajabiamila-linked PFIPC on accountant-general’s order before N400 million bribe probe: Cardoso

The presidency had dismissed the PFIPC agency as fake after Mr Adeyemi accused Mr Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, of collecting a N400 million bribe.

Heading 1

Two Nigerians convicted, jailed for seven years over armed robbery in Kuwait

The police said the two individuals stole foreign currencies equivalent to 4,600 Kuwaiti Dinars, valued at approximately $14,918.69.

Flooded Lagos Island

Lagos

Lagos govt seeks science-backed solutions to climate, coastal risks

The Lagos government has urged scientists to provide evidence-based solutions to tackle climate change and strengthen resilience in coastal cities.

Chidimma Adetshina

NationWide

Former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina appears in South African court to fight deportation

In August 2024, the Department of Home Affairs stated that Ms Adetshina’s mother may have been involved in identity theft.

Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu

Rights

Lagos: Youth ministry reaffirms commitment to vulnerable children’s welfare

The Lagos government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the welfare of children in orphanage homes across Lagos.