President Bola Tinubu has said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue leading Nigeria, expressing confidence that his administration would overcome the country’s challenges and deliver prosperity.
The President disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists after performing prayers at the Holy Mosque in Ka’aba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity and good health to undertake the spiritual exercise, describing the experience as fulfilling.
“I feel fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity and the health. The day went very well,” he said.
He said his prayers also centred on Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural composition, expressing hope that the country’s differences would become a source of prosperity rather than division.
“The prayer is for Allah to convert our diversity. Nigeria is full of diversity. It is made up of all the faiths. May Allah convert all the diversity to prosperity for the country. That is my prayer,” he said.
Asked about his personal requests during the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said he sought divine guidance and the strength to continue serving Nigerians.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that has been granted,” he said.
The President recalled visiting the holy site before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for a successful Umrah and pledged to return to show appreciation if his request was granted.
“Prior to the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then. He did, and I promised that I would come back to thank him, Almighty Allah,” Tinubu said.
He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as an act of divine favour, noting that political authority ultimately belonged to God and should be exercised responsibly.
“There is no other God but him. He is the giver and the taker,” he said.
“He owns the power. He said, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person.”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his determination to pursue economic growth and national development, saying his commitment to the country remained strong.
“My commitment is higher, and committed to bringing prosperity. To develop the country consistently with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
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He urged Nigerians to make God their priority, listen to their consciences and embrace the right values needed to move the country forward.
“It is important to put Allah first. Then follow your conscience, follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” he said.
On the economy, the President maintained that Nigeria was making progress after a difficult period, insisting that the reforms introduced by his administration had established a strong foundation for future growth.
“The foundation is solid. The economy has come out of the dark tunnel. It is inspiring. We need to build the future for our youths,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of investing in young Nigerians, warning that the country’s present leaders would be judged by how well they prepared the next generation for the future.
Tinubu also thanked the Saudi authorities for granting him access to the Ka’aba, describing the opportunity as historic.
Acknowledging the difficulties confronting Nigeria and other countries, he expressed optimism that faith and determination would help overcome them.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome it with faith in the Almighty,” he said.