President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed spiritual fulfilment after completing the lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, saying he used the opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.
Tinubu spoke shortly after performing the Islamic religious rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, on Friday, October 30.
“I feel good. I feel fulfilled. It’s a spiritual thing for me and the country, Nigeria. I’m grateful to Allah for this opportunity,” the President said.
Asked about the significance of returning to Makkah after performing Umrah ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu described the latest visit as “very, very significant”.
He said his commitment to public service, the support of Nigerians and his belief in Allah’s will were central to his reflections.
“I believe the love of the people, the commitment to the job, and the physical commitment to it. I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail,” he said.
The President also said he prayed for Nigerians to live in peace, harmony and happiness, with faith in God.
“We just pray for our nation. We pray for everyone to live in harmony, happiness, and faith in God Almighty,” he added.
Tinubu arrived in Jeddah on Thursday, October 29, after departing Abuja for the religious exercise. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit was intended to provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
Delegation prays for Nigeria
Other members of the presidential delegation also offered prayers for Nigeria during the spiritual visit.
Businessman Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who accompanied the President, said the delegation was grateful for the opportunity to pray in the holy land.
“We are here in this sacred place to pray for Nigeria, to pray for peace, long-lasting peace for the country, for unity in Nigeria,” Rabiu said.
He added that they had prayed and would continue to pray for free, fair and successful elections.
President Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Rahman, said the President had maintained a tradition of visiting the holy land to seek Allah’s guidance for himself and the country.
Rahman, who said he had accompanied Tinubu since 2016, noted that the President had consistently used the visits as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers.
“There has never been a year that we didn’t come to seek the face of our Almighty Allah,” he said.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who was also part of the delegation, prayed for lasting peace and stability in Nigeria.
“The most important thing is for the return of peace and tranquillity to Nigeria. We pray that Almighty Allah shall give us lasting peace and tranquillity in Nigeria,” Zulum said.
He added that national unity and peaceful coexistence were essential for the country’s future.