President Bola Tinubu has said his prayer inside the Holy Ka’abah, where he led Nigeria’s delegation on a rare invitation from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, has strengthened his commitment to what he calls Project Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday as he reflected on his Umrah journey, the President said he asked Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving the people, and believes the prayer has been granted.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he did the same before the 2023 election and promised then to return to give thanks.
Mr. Tinubu was led into the Ka’abah by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram. He thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the honour, which he described as historic and deeply cherished.
He said it reflects the long bonds of friendship, respect and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The President said he was moved to see that the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, a reminder of Nigerian identity.
He also thanked the administrators of the holy land for their hospitality and for recognising him as leader of the delegation and the country.
According to him, “We are all facing challenges and hostility around us,” but they will be overcome with faith in God Almighty.
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, Mr. Tinubu said power is a trust to be exercised with responsibility and humility, adding that no position of authority is permanent because sovereignty belongs to Allah alone.
He said his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief out of many millions of Nigerians was a favour that only God can grant.
He said his commitment to Project Nigeria is now higher and that he is determined to usher in prosperity and develop the country in line with the wish of Allah and the support of the people. He urged Nigerians to put Allah first and follow their conscience on the path to national greatness.
On the economy, the President said the foundation is solid and the country has emerged from a “dark tunnel,” which he described as inspiring. He stressed the need to invest in the future of young Nigerians, asking how leaders would be remembered 50 years from now if they failed to do so.
Mr. Tinubu said his administration will keep strengthening the economic foundations, expanding opportunities for young people and creating conditions for Nigerians to realise their potential. He reaffirmed his resolve to justify the confidence placed in him.
Members of the delegation who entered the Ka’abah with him included Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara States, and business leaders such as BUA Chairman Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu and Oando CEO Wale Tinubu.
Visibly emotional, they expressed gratitude to Allah and to the President for the opportunity to pray with him in Islam’s holiest site.
