President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria's national development, stating that his determination to build a prosperous Nigeria has become stronger. According to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President made this declaration while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah). During his trip, Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation access to the sacred site. He described the experience as historic and deeply cherished, reflecting the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The President disclosed that his prayers centred on obtaining wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his supplications had been answered. Tinubu also recalled his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for Allah's blessings and promised to return to express gratitude.
Tinubu reflected on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which emphasises that Almighty Allah is the ultimate owner of sovereignty, with the authority to grant and withdraw power. He stated that political authority should be regarded as a trust that must be exercised with humility, responsibility, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria's President and Commander-in-Chief as a special blessing from Almighty Allah, stressing that the privilege came with an enormous responsibility to serve the nation. Tinubu expressed optimism about the country's economic outlook, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid and the progress recorded as encouraging.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration would continue to focus on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people, and creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to realise their potential. He stressed the importance of investing in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by today's leaders would shape how future generations remember them.
Other members of the delegation, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and business leaders such as Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah and the President for the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah and offer prayers. The President's commitment to national development has been reaffirmed, with a focus on promoting prosperity, strengthening the economy, and advancing the aspirations of Nigerians.
Key points
- President Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Nigeria's national development
- Tinubu performs Umrah in Saudi Arabia, prays for wisdom and resilience
- The President stresses the importance of investing in young Nigerians
