By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Following the completion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the President has departed Jeddah for Abuja after offering prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time (3:13 p.m. Nigerian 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, Amb. Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Amb. Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport, according to a statement issued on Wednesday, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy sent to PerSecondNews.
PerSecondNews recalls that Tinubu had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
Last Sunday, the President was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
Inside the Holy Ka’abah, Tinubu offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.
He also sought divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.
“The President prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of strength, national cohesion and shared prosperity.”
The statement described the visit as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for Nigeria, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
Tinubu also expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.
He particularly acknowledged the privilege granted to the President and his delegation to access the Holy Ka’abah and offer prayers.
Onanuga added that Tinubu left Saudi Arabia with renewed faith and gratitude to Almighty Allah.
He said the President remained committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the aspiration of building a better Nigeria for all.
Members of the presidential entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.
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