President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, where he prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security and prosperity.
The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5.13pm Saudi time.
Tinubu was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Makkah deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace before departing.
The President arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
He was also granted access to the interior of the sacred structure on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
During the prayers, Tinubu sought divine intervention for Nigeria, asking for lasting peace, improved security, national unity and prosperity.
He also prayed for divine guidance and strength to continue leading the country, expressing hope that Nigeria’s diversity would become a source of national cohesion and shared prosperity.
The President thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He particularly expressed appreciation for the privilege of accessing the interior of the Holy Ka’abah.
Members of his entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.
Tinubu is expected to arrive in Abuja on Thursday, November 5.
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