President Bola Tinubu has departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is headed back to Abuja. According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu's plane took off at 5:13 pm Saudi time from the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport. The President completed a week-long lesser pilgrimage in Makkah, which generated significant public attention back home.
Tinubu's visit to Saudi Arabia began on Thursday last week and included a series of spiritual engagements. He led his delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka'abah at Masjid al-Haram. The highlight of the visit came on Sunday when King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Ka'abah. There, Tinubu and members of his delegation performed the two raka'at prayers.
During his time inside the Ka'abah, Tinubu offered supplications for lasting peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria. He also sought divine guidance, wisdom, and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people. The visit attracted political commentary given its timing, as Tinubu departed for Makkah days after officially flagging off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24.
The President's re-election campaign is gaining momentum, with the general elections now less than 75 days away. Speaking to journalists after completing his Umrah rites, Tinubu stated that only God could determine who would lead Nigeria. He emphasized that his commitment to "Project Nigeria" remains high, and he is determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to his delegation. He also appreciated the access granted to the Ka'abah. The President's entourage on the return flight included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, and Yobe States.
Before departing Jeddah, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex. The Deputy Governor, Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.
On Sunday, Tinubu hosted members of his delegation to dinner and prayed for Nigeria's diversity to be converted into prosperity. The President's visit to Saudi Arabia has concluded, and he is expected to arrive back in Abuja shortly. The visit was seen as a significant event, given the President's efforts to promote spiritual growth and national development.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu completes a week-long Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and returns to Nigeria.
- The visit generated significant public attention and attracted political commentary given its timing.
- Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to "Project Nigeria" and his determination to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country.
