TINUBU RETURNS TO ABUJA AFTER UMRAH, PRAYS FOR NIGERIA’S PEACE, UNITY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Wednesday night after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53 p.m., ending his religious visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu had spent five days in the kingdom after departing Abuja on Thursday, October 29.

He was received at the airport by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside five state governors, ministers and other senior government officials.

The governors included Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

Others at the airport were the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Director of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Sule Dan Agundi.

Before his departure from Saudi Arabia, Tinubu left the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, following the completion of his pilgrimage.

He had earlier held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace.

The Saudi official, alongside Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.

During his stay in Makkah, Tinubu performed the Umrah rites, including circumambulating the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, where he prayed for Nigeria and its people.

A major highlight of the pilgrimage was the rare privilege granted to the President and members of his delegation to enter the Holy Kaaba on Sunday, where they offered special prayers.

Inside the sacred structure, Tinubu prayed for lasting peace, national security, unity and economic prosperity, while seeking divine wisdom, strength and resilience to discharge his responsibilities as President.

Reflecting on the experience, he reaffirmed his commitment to national development, saying he remained determined to build a prosperous country, invest in the future of young Nigerians and advance the country’s development.

He also prayed that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity would become a source of national strength and shared prosperity rather than division.

“Our strength is our diversity, and we continue to build on that for the prospect and security of the country,” the President said during the pilgrimage.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, for the hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.

He described the opportunity to enter the Kaaba as a rare honour and a reflection of the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

In a message posted on his verified X account on Monday, the President said he used the spiritual journey to seek divine blessings for Nigeria.

“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Tinubu had earlier explained that his decision to undertake the pilgrimage was inspired by his commitment to Nigeria and his desire to seek divine guidance in addressing the country’s challenges.

Before departing Abuja on October 29, the President commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters, comprising two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters, as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s operational capabilities.

He subsequently travelled to Jeddah before proceeding to Makkah for the religious exercise.