President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after performing the Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.
Bayo Onanuga, media aide to the President said Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.
According to him, 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, accompanied the President to the airport.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The President had 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.
Last Sunday, Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
During the prayers, the President sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while also praying for divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
He further prayed for continued blessings upon Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.
Onanuga, 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.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
The President’s entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among others.
