President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, November 4, departed Saudi Arabia, after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
According to a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, where the presidential aircraft took off from the airport’s Royal Terminal at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time.
The President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the 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.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The statement disclosed that the President arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and subsequently led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
First Daily recalls that, Tinubu was granted special access to the sacred structure last Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Seeks Senate Nod For Fresh $7.7bn Foreign Loan
During the visit, the President offered prayers for Nigeria’s stability and the wellbeing of its citizens.
“Inside the Holy Ka’abah, the President offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people,” Onanuga stated.
The President also prayed for continued blessings upon the country and its leadership, expressing hope that Nigeria’s diversity would become a foundation for national unity and shared prosperity.
According to the statement, the Umrah provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers, while reinforcing Tinubu’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country.
Tinubu 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, particularly the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah and offer prayers.
The statement added that the President returns to Nigeria with renewed faith and gratitude, alongside a commitment to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Members of his entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.