President Bola Tinubu has begun his journey back to Abuja from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following the successful completion of the Lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, in the holy city of Makkah.
Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.
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.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Makkah deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace before his departure.
The President 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.
He was also granted access to the interior of the sacred structure on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
While inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu offered prayers for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance and strength to continue leading the country.
He also prayed for continued blessings upon Nigeria and its citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of national cohesion and shared prosperity.
The President 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 privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah.
Members of his entourage included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu has wrapped up his spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia and is heading back to Nigeria after performing the Umrah rites. During his trip, he visited the interior of the Holy Ka’abah to offer special prayers for peace, security, and economic prosperity in the country, while also meeting with top regional officials and being accompanied by key Nigerian security and state leaders.
- Positive Impact: The presidential trip reinforces diplomatic ties and cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Potential Concerns: The President’s absence from the country, even for brief international engagements, often sparks discussions regarding local governance continuity.
