President Bola Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah, also known as the Lesser Hajj, in the holy city of Makkah.
Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.
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, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Makkah deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace before his departure.
The President had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, 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.
While inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu offered prayers for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance and strength to continue leading the country.
He also prayed for continued blessings upon Nigeria and its citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of national cohesion and shared prosperity.
The President 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 accessing the Holy Ka’abah.
Members of his entourage included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.
Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Thursday, November 5.
