President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja following his religious pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, popularly known as Umrah, and offered prayers for Nigeria and its people.
The presidential aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday.
The President was welcomed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police and other senior government officials.
His return followed the conclusion of his Saudi Arabian visit, during which he performed Umrah and received the exceptional opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers. The President had earlier acknowledged the Saudi authorities for facilitating the rare religious privilege extended to him and members of his delegation.
In a statement published on his X account, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, for granting the delegation access to the sacred structure and providing them with warm hospitality throughout their stay.
“I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah,” he wrote.
He added, “I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.”
Tinubu explained that his prayers during the pilgrimage centred on Nigeria’s peace, national cohesion and economic advancement. He also described the experience as an opportunity to seek divine intervention for the country’s progress and the well-being of its citizens.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he stated.
The President further revealed that he sought Allah’s guidance, wisdom and strength to sustain his responsibilities as Nigeria’s leader. Reflecting on his experience at the Holy Kaaba, he expressed confidence that his supplications had received divine consideration.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” Tinubu said.
He also referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, highlighting the ultimate authority of Almighty Allah over leadership, power and sovereignty.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, 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. I am the only One who has that authority,” he stated.
Describing his presidency as a special opportunity granted by Allah, Tinubu said the experience had further reinforced his resolve to pursue national development and create better opportunities for Nigerians.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
On the state of the economy, the President maintained that his administration’s policies were yielding encouraging prospects, expressing confidence in the country’s economic recovery and the progress made so far.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He also stressed the need for sustained investment in the younger generation, noting that the quality of opportunities provided to young Nigerians would shape the country’s future and influence how the current crop of leaders would be remembered.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, the President is scheduled to undertake a one-day working visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, November 6, as part of his forthcoming engagements outside the Federal Capital Territory.
In preparation for the presidential visit, Governor Umo Eno has announced a work-free day for civil servants and other workers across the state on Friday. The decision is intended to give residents and public sector employees an opportunity to participate in activities marking the President’s arrival.
Tinubu is expected to commission several infrastructure projects completed by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Eno’s administration. Among the facilities listed for inauguration are the International Terminal Building and Airport Hospital at Victor Attah International Airport, the Aviation Village, the 14.5-kilometre Airport-Okopedi Road and Ring Road 3.
Other projects expected to be commissioned include the Command and Control Centre, the AkwaGIS Building and the ARISE Palm Resort.
Following the scheduled activities in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu is expected to travel to Rivers State, where he will participate in a political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
