President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after performing the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its citizens.
The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday.
He was received at the airport by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police and other government officials.
Tinubu’s return comes days after he announced the conclusion of his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah and was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.
The President had expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities, particularly the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure.
In a statement shared on his X account, Tinubu described the opportunity as a special spiritual experience and appreciated the Saudi leadership for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
“I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah,” he wrote.
He added, “I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.”
The President said he used the opportunity to pray for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, describing the gesture as a reflection of the longstanding religious and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he stated.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu also disclosed that he had asked Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue leading the country.
Speaking about his experience after entering the Holy Kaaba, the President expressed confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also reflected on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which addresses Allah’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty.
According to the President, political authority is a responsibility entrusted to individuals by God and must be exercised with humility and in accordance with divine instructions.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” he stated.
Tinubu further described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special blessing, saying the experience had strengthened his determination to develop the country and improve the lives of its citizens.
“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.
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the direction of his administration, insisting that the country’s economic foundation was solid.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of investing in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations remember them.
“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? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tinubu is expected to visit Akwa Ibom State on Friday, November 6, for a one-day working visit.
Ahead of the visit, Governor Umo Eno has declared Friday a work-free day for civil servants and other workers in the state to enable residents to welcome the President.
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to commission several projects executed by the state government under Eno’s administration.
The projects include the International Terminal Building and Airport Hospital at Victor Attah International Airport, the Aviation Village, the 14.5-kilometre Airport-Okopedi Road and Ring Road 3.
Other projects scheduled for commissioning are the Command and Control Centre, the AkwaGIS Building and the ARISE Palm Resort.
After his engagements in Akwa Ibom, the President is expected to proceed to Rivers State for a political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
