President Bola Tinubu has prayed for Nigeria’s peace, national unity and economic prosperity during the performance of the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu performed the Islamic religious rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, on Friday, where he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah and sought divine guidance for the country and its people.
Speaking with journalists after the spiritual exercise, the President said the pilgrimage was significant to his commitment to Nigeria, its people and the will of Almighty Allah.
“I believe this Umrah is very significant for the love of our people, commitment to the job and our country, Nigeria; commitment to the will of Allah that His words must prevail, and that there’s no other God but Him and He’s the only one that makes a human being what he can be and what he would be in life,” he said.
The President disclosed that he had used the opportunity to pray for Nigerians to enjoy peace, harmony and happiness, while seeking divine intervention in the country’s affairs.
“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” Tinubu stated.
He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects for economic growth, social development and improved security, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country.
The President urged Nigerians to work collectively towards national development, stressing that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as an instrument for unity, stability and progress.
He maintained that national cohesion and collective responsibility remained essential to addressing the country’s challenges and securing a better future for its citizens.
“Our strength is our diversity, and we continue to build on that for the prospect and security of the country,” he said.
Reflecting on the spiritual importance of the pilgrimage, Tinubu added: “And we are giving it to our minds and our spirits in every way possible.”
Members of the President’s entourage during the Umrah included Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, among other government officials.
Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
The President’s visit to Makkah was primarily for the performance of Umrah and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued development.
