President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing a week-long Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
His aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an update from the State House media office.
Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police; and other senior government officials.
The President’s return followed the completion of the lesser Hajj in Makkah, where he and members of the Nigerian delegation performed the religious rites of Umrah.
During the visit, Saudi authorities granted Tinubu and members of his delegation access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah, where they offered prayers.
Tinubu Meets Makkah Deputy Governor Before Departure
Tinubu departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.
Before leaving, he held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The Deputy Governor, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya accompanied the President to the airport.
Tinubu Describes Ka’abah Visit As Historic
The President arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
He completed the rites early Friday, October 30, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah.
The pilgrimage included circumambulating the Holy Ka’abah and performing other prescribed religious rites.
A major highlight of the visit occurred on Sunday, November 1, when Saudi authorities granted Tinubu and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the interior of the Ka’abah.
The State House said the privilege came through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President and members of the delegation into the sacred structure, where they performed two raka’at prayers.
Tinubu also kissed the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, during the visit.
In a statement issued on November 2, the President described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual moment.
He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and the Nigerian delegation the privilege.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” Tinubu said.
He added, “It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history.”
Tinubu Prays For Nigeria’s Peace And Prosperity
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu used the pilgrimage to pray for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.
The President also sought divine guidance, wisdom and strength for the country’s leaders.
Speaking to journalists after performing the Umrah rites on October 30, Tinubu said he was grateful for the opportunity to pray for Nigeria.
“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” he said.
He expressed hope that Nigeria would achieve greater economic prosperity and social development while overcoming insecurity and other challenges.
In his November 2 reflection, Tinubu said he specifically asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” he said.
The President also referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which addresses Allah’s sovereignty and authority to give and take power.
He said the message reminded leaders to exercise authority responsibly, with humility and in the service of the people.
Tinubu further reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as Project Nigeria, saying the pilgrimage strengthened his determination to pursue national development.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in young Nigerians and building a future for coming generations.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he added.
Governors, Ministers And Business Leaders Join Delegation
The President travelled with a delegation that included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.
Governors from Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, Yobe and Kwara states also accompanied him.
Business leaders, including BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu, were part of the delegation. The President’s son, Yinka Tinubu, was also reported to have joined the trip.
The State House said members of the delegation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter and pray inside the Ka’abah.
Tinubu also acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia and thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality.
His return to Abuja brings the pilgrimage to a close after a visit the Presidency described as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for Nigeria.
