President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage, also known as the Lesser Hajj, in the holy city of Makkah.
The President’s aircraft departed the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, November 4.
The departure brings to an end a week-long religious visit that featured significant spiritual engagements, including a rare opportunity to enter the interior of the Holy Ka’aba, Islam’s most sacred shrine.
President Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on October 29, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba at Masjid al-Haram.
The highlight of the visit came on Sunday when the President and members of his delegation were granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where they performed two units of prayer, known as Raka’at.
Inside the Holy Ka’aba, President Tinubu offered special prayers to Almighty Allah for Nigeria’s lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity.
He also sought divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.
Before his departure, the President 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.
The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, were among officials who accompanied the President to the airport.
President Tinubu’s delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among other officials.
As the President returns to Nigeria, his message from the holy city centres on prayers for national peace, unity, security and prosperity.
