President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday to perform Umrah, a spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the holy city. The Airbus A330-200 carrying the president took off at 2:20 pm local time. Tinubu was seen off at the airport by several governors, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Uba Sani of Kaduna. Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will allow Tinubu to reflect spiritually, devote himself to prayers for Nigeria's peace, unity, stability, and progress. During his stay in Makkah, Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah's guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people. This trip marks Tinubu's second Umrah pilgrimage since assuming office, with the first one taking place in November 2023.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise. This trip is part of Tinubu's series of foreign engagements since he was sworn in on May 29, 2023, having visited over 30 countries across various continents.
In a separate development, Tinubu has launched PenCare, a national healthcare initiative providing free medical services to pensioners, starting with low-income retirees. The initiative was unveiled at the opening of the National Pension Week in Abuja, where Tinubu emphasized the importance of a strong pension system as a social protection necessity and a pillar of economic transformation.
Tinubu described pensions as an obligation to workers who have served the country, rather than a favor from the government. He stated that his administration has taken steps to restore dignity, security, and value to the Contributory Pension Scheme, including approving a N758 billion Federal Government Pension Bond to settle accrued pension rights and strengthen the Pension Protection Fund.
The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has reiterated that the June 30, 2027 deadline for pension fund administrators and custodians to complete their recapitalisation remains unchanged. The exercise aims to strengthen institutions responsible for safeguarding the retirement savings of millions of Nigerian workers.
The President's trip to Saudi Arabia and the launch of PenCare demonstrate his administration's commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, both domestically and internationally. With over 50 unique and recurrent trips, Tinubu continues to engage with global leaders and address pressing issues affecting the nation. The success of the pension system, he emphasized, should be measured by the security and dignity it provides retirees.
Key points
- President Tinubu departs for Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
- Launches free healthcare initiative for pensioners
- Reiterates commitment to strengthening Nigeria's pension system
