Tinubu concludes Saudi Arabia visit, hails ties with kingdom
… Thanks King Salman, Crown Prince for rare Kaaba access
… Says prayers offered for Nigeria’s peace, unity, prosperity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the conclusion of his visit to the Kingdom of 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.
The President, who disclosed this on Monday in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, described the experience as a demonstration of the enduring bonds of faith, friendship and mutual respect between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu said he used the opportunity of the spiritual exercise, which included the performance of 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”, the President wrote.
He specifically appreciated 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 extending the exceptional privilege to the Nigerian delegation.
“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 visit, the President said his prayers inside the Kaaba centred 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.
During the visit, the Saudi authorities granted the President and members of his delegation access to the interior of the Kaaba, an honour he had earlier described as historic and deeply cherished.
Speaking about the experience earlier on Monday, Tinubu said he had sought divine wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, while reaffirming his commitment to building a prosperous country.
He also expressed appreciation for the privilege of serving as Nigeria’s President, stressing that leadership was a sacred trust requiring humility, responsibility and dedication to the people.
The President’s announcement of the conclusion of his Saudi visit comes after four days of religious activities, prayers and interactions with members of his delegation, including state governors, senior government officials and business leaders.
The Presidency had earlier indicated that Tinubu would return to Nigeria during the week following the completion of his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.
