President Bola Tinubu has concluded a four-day spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, revealing that he prayed inside the Holy Kaaba in Makkah for wisdom, strength and resilience to continue serving Nigerians. The President also performed the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah, and offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity. He expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred site.
In a statement released on Monday, Tinubu described entering the Kaaba as a rare privilege and a historic moment that reflected the strong religious and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. According to his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was led into the sacred structure by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram, alongside members of his delegation, including ministers, governors and business leaders. Tinubu said he was grateful for the recognition and hospitality extended to him, adding that he had specifically asked Allah for the strength to serve the Nigerian people responsibly. He also described his position as President and Commander-in-Chief as a special blessing that came with a serious responsibility to the country.
The President further reflected on the importance of leadership, saying positions of authority were gifts from God that must be used responsibly. He quoted a Quranic passage on divine authority and the responsibility that comes with receiving power. Speaking about Nigeria’s economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s recovery, describing its economic foundations as solid. He also emphasised the need to invest in young people, saying their future should remain a major priority for leaders. Reaffirming his commitment to what he called “Project Nigeria,” he pledged to pursue policies aimed at promoting prosperity and national development.
Tinubu’s visit reached its climax on Monday, following the completion of his Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in the early hours of Friday. After performing the pilgrimage, he described the journey as spiritually significant and said the outcome of human affairs ultimately rested with Allah. The President also hosted members of his delegation to a dinner in Makkah on Sunday, where he prayed that Nigeria’s diversity would become a source of strength and prosperity rather than division. Members of the delegation also offered prayers for peace in the country and the President’s continued leadership, while Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged continued prayers for Tinubu and Nigeria.
Those who accompanied the President into the Kaaba included Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate; governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states; BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu; and Oando Plc Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu. The visit comes amid preparations for the next general election, following Tinubu’s reported re-election campaign launch in Kaduna on October 24. The President reiterated his determination to lead Nigeria towards greater prosperity, while expressing faith in divine guidance and the support of Nigerians.
