Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Umrah Pilgrimage In Saudi Arabia

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday, bringing his five-day visit to Saudi Arabia to an end.

Tinubu was received on arrival by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; five governors — Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe — alongside other senior government officials.

Those present included the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and Director of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Agundi.

The President had departed the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after completing the pilgrimage.

Before leaving Saudi Arabia, he held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace.

The Saudi official, alongside Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied Tinubu to the airport.

During his stay in Makkah, the President performed the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, where he prayed for Nigeria and its people.

A major highlight of the pilgrimage was the rare privilege granted to Tinubu and members of his delegation to enter the Holy Kaaba on Sunday, where they offered special prayers.

Inside the sacred structure, the President prayed for lasting peace, national security, unity and economic prosperity. He also sought divine wisdom, strength and resilience to discharge his responsibilities.

Reflecting on the experience, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to Project Nigeria and his determination to build a prosperous country, invest in the future of young Nigerians and pursue national development.

He also prayed that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity would remain a source of national strength and shared prosperity rather than division.

“Our strength is our diversity, and we continue to build on that for the prospect and security of the country,” the President said.