President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday and headed for Abuja, having completed his Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.
A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President’s plane took off from the airport’s Royal Terminal at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time.
The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, saw the President off at the airport. He was joined by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, President Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace inside the airport.
The President arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, which included circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
On Sunday, he was given the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation observed two raka’at prayers.
Inside the Ka’abah, the President offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria. He also asked for divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.
He further prayed for Allah’s continued blessings on Nigeria, its leaders and its citizens, and expressed hope that the nation’s diversity would become a source of strength, national cohesion and shared prosperity.
According to the statement, the visit offered an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for the country, along with a renewed commitment to the national task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
President Tinubu expressed deep 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 was particularly grateful for the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to pray.
The President left the Kingdom with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and an unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the aspiration of building a better Nigeria for all.
Members of his entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among others.
