President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Saudi Arabia for Nigeria following the completion of his week-long Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.
Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia aboard the presidential aircraft from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Wednesday, heading to Abuja after a series of spiritual engagements and diplomatic interactions in the Kingdom.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the presidential aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi time.
The President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex.
Tinubu Completes Week-Long Umrah Pilgrimage in Makkah
Tinubu’s visit to Saudi Arabia commenced on Thursday last week and featured several religious activities, including the performance of Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The President led members of his delegation in performing the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at Masjid al-Haram as part of the lesser pilgrimage.
One of the major highlights of the visit occurred on Sunday when Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu and members of his delegation special access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah.
Inside the sacred structure, the President and his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
Tinubu also offered prayers for Nigeria, seeking lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity for the country. He further asked for divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving Nigerians.
Tinubu Prays for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity
Speaking to journalists on Friday after completing his Umrah rites, Tinubu maintained that only God could determine the destiny and leadership of individuals.
“Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become,” the President said.
On Sunday, Tinubu hosted members of his delegation to dinner, where he prayed for Nigeria to transform its diversity into prosperity.
Following his entry into the Holy Ka’abah on Monday, the President reaffirmed his commitment to national development under what he described as Project Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu Thanks Saudi Leadership for Special Hospitality
The President expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and members of his delegation throughout the visit.
He particularly acknowledged the rare privilege granted to him to enter the interior of the Holy Ka’abah.
Tinubu’s visit also attracted political attention in Nigeria because of its timing, coming shortly after he officially flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the President’s religious engagements and comments about divine determination of leadership have generated public discussion.
Governors, NSA Accompany as Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia
Among the officials who accompanied President Tinubu on his return journey were National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, alongside other members of the presidential delegation.
Tinubu’s departure from Jeddah marks the conclusion of his week-long religious visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he combined spiritual activities with engagements involving senior Saudi officials.
