President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s economy has emerged from a difficult period, describing its current foundation as solid while promising greater investment in young people and renewed commitment to national development.
Tinubu made the assessment on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah and received rare permission to enter the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President said the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue his administration’s development agenda and build a prosperous country.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu also thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred site.
He described the opportunity as a historic spiritual privilege and an expression of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Expressing appreciation for the hospitality, Tinubu said, “It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history.”
He also remarked that the green-and-white colours of the fencing around the Ka’abah reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
The President said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, adding that he believed his request had been granted.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that he performed a similar spiritual exercise before the 2023 presidential election, when he asked Allah to bless his Umrah and promised to return in gratitude.
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which describes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty, the President said political power was a trust that must be exercised with humility and responsibility.
He noted that authority could be granted or withdrawn by Allah and should therefore be used in the service of the people.
Tinubu described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a divine blessing that required dedicated service to the country.
He said his commitment to Project Nigeria had become stronger, promising to pursue policies that would promote prosperity, national development and shared progress.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of investing in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations judged their performance.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he asked.
He added that his administration would continue to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people and create an environment where Nigerians could realise their potential.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to lead the country, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by Nigerians through purposeful leadership.
Members of the delegation who joined the President in the Ka’abah included Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders, including BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also among those who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter the sacred site and pray with the President.
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