President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing a week-long Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security and prosperity.
The presidential aircraft conveying Tinubu landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8.53pm on Wednesday.
He was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police; and other senior government officials.
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Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia earlier on Wednesday after completing the lesser pilgrimage in Makkah.
During the visit, which began last Thursday, the President performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque, 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.
Inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu offered prayers for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance and wisdom to lead the country.
He also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s 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 entering the Holy Ka’abah.
Speaking to journalists after completing the Umrah rites on Friday, Tinubu reportedly said only God could determine who would lead Nigeria.
His remark came days after he flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, ahead of the 2027 presidential election scheduled for January 16.
The President travelled with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace at the airport.
The President said the pilgrimage provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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