President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.
Mr Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the airport’s Royal Terminal at about 5:13 p.m. local time (3:13 p.m. Nigerian time).
The Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Amb. Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The President arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
On Sunday, Tinubu 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, the President offered special prayers 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.
Tinubu 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 visit provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for Nigeria, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
The President expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He thanked them for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and members of the Nigerian delegation. He particularly appreciated the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia with renewed faith and gratitude to Almighty Allah, as well as 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, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States; and ministers, among others.