President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Wednesday night after completing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The President's aircraft arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53 pm. Tinubu was accompanied on the spiritual journey by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and governors from five states, among other members of the Nigerian delegation. The President performed the Umrah rites in Makkah, Islam's holiest site.
Upon arrival at the airport, Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Also present were Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Umaru Radda. The President had departed Jeddah earlier on Wednesday after completing the Umrah rites.
A major highlight of Tinubu's visit was the rare privilege granted him and members of his delegation to enter the Holy Ka'aba on Sunday. Tinubu and his delegation performed two raka'at prayers inside the sacred structure, seeking Allah's intervention for lasting peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria. The Holy Ka'aba, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is the most sacred site in Islam.
During his visit, Tinubu prayed for divine guidance and wisdom to enable him to continue leading the country. He subsequently expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation. The President acknowledged the privilege of being granted access to the interior of the Holy Ka'aba.
Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday for the spiritual exercise, which included prayers and acts of worship at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. His aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi Arabian time. A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, provided details about the President's trip.
The Nigerian leader was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya. Tinubu's visit to Saudi Arabia was a spiritual one, aimed at performing the lesser Hajj and seeking divine guidance.
The President's trip was seen as an opportunity for him to connect with his faith and seek guidance for the country. With the completion of the Umrah, Tinubu has returned to Nigeria, bringing with him a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to his duties as President. The President's visit to the Holy Ka'aba was a significant moment in his trip.
Key points
- President Tinubu was granted rare access to the Holy Ka'aba, where he performed two raka'at prayers.
- The President prayed for lasting peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria during his visit.
- Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality.
