President Bola Tinubu departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja on Wednesday after completing his Umrah, or Lesser Hajj, rites in Makkah. According to a State House press release, Tinubu's plane took off from the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time. The President was accompanied to the airport by several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Before his departure, President Tinubu met briefly with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport. The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, were also present. Tinubu had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
During his visit, President Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred Ka’abah, where he and members of his delegation performed the two raka’at prayers. Inside the Holy Ka’abah, the President offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria. He also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.
President Tinubu expressed hope that Nigeria's diversity would be transformed into a source of strength, national cohesion, and shared prosperity. The presidency stated that the visit provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving, and prayers for Nigeria, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation. The President's entourage included several high-ranking officials, such as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, and Yobe States were also part of President Tinubu's delegation to Saudi Arabia. The President expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their hospitality and the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah.
The presidency stated that President Tinubu left the Kingdom with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah, and an unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President's visit to Saudi Arabia was seen as a significant event, with a focus on spiritual reflection and national development. The Nigerian delegation's visit to the Holy Ka’abah was a highlight of the trip.
President Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia has concluded, with the President returning to Abuja on Wednesday. The visit was marked by significant events, including the President's entry into the sacred Ka’abah and his prayers for Nigeria's prosperity. The President's commitment to building a peaceful and united Nigeria was reiterated during his visit.
Key points
- President Tinubu completed his Umrah rites in Makkah and prayed for Nigeria's prosperity.
- The President expressed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality.
- President Tinubu's visit to Saudi Arabia concluded with a renewed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
