President Bola Tinubu has announced the conclusion of his visit to Saudi Arabia, expressing gratitude to the country’s leadership for granting him and members of his delegation the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.

Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, describing the experience as a reflection of the enduring bonds of faith, friendship and mutual respect between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The President said he used the opportunity, which included performing Umrah, the lesser Hajj, to pray for Nigeria’s peace, national unity and prosperity.

“I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah,” he wrote.

He specifically thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, for granting the delegation the privilege.

“I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.

“It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the experience, the President said his prayers inside the Kaaba focused on the wellbeing of Nigerians and the country’s continued progress.

“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he added.

Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29, for the pilgrimage, during which he performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah.

Earlier on Monday, he described his access to the interior of the Kaaba as historic and deeply cherished, saying he had prayed for divine wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous country, describing the opportunity to serve as President as a sacred trust that demands humility, responsibility and dedication.

The four-day visit involved religious activities, prayers and engagements with members of his delegation, which included state governors, senior government officials and business leaders.

The Presidency had earlier indicated that Tinubu would return to Nigeria during the week after completing his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.