President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security and national unity.
The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday.
He was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and other senior government officials.
Tinubu departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time after completing the lesser pilgrimage in Makkah.
Before leaving Saudi Arabia, the President held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
During the week-long visit, Tinubu led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
He was also granted special access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President used the spiritual exercise to pray for Nigeria’s lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity, while seeking divine guidance and wisdom for the country’s leaders.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.
Members of the presidential entourage included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.
