By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the Umrah pilgrimage and 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 exactly 8:53 pm on Wednesday, bringing his visit to the oil-rich Middle Eastern country to an end.
Tinubu was received on arrival by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; five state governors, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, as well as other senior government officials.
Also present were the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and Director of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Agundi.
Before departing Saudi Arabia, the President 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 Tinubu to the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
During his stay in Makkah, the President performed the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its citizens.
A major highlight of the pilgrimage was the rare privilege granted to Tinubu and members of his delegation to enter the Holy Kaaba on Sunday, where they observed special prayers.
Inside the sacred structure, the President prayed for lasting peace, national security, unity and economic prosperity. He also sought divine wisdom, strength and resilience to discharge his responsibilities.
Reflecting on the spiritual experience, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young people and pursuing national development.
He also prayed that the country’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity would remain a source of 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 declared during the pilgrimage.