President Bola Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah.
The President’s aircraft departed the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.
Tinubu was seen off at 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 issued 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 shortly before leaving the country.
The President arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, which included the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
On Sunday, Tinubu and members of his delegation were granted access to the interior of the sacred structure, where they observed two raka’at prayers.
During the visit, the President offered prayers for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria. He also sought divine guidance and strength to continue leading the country.
Tinubu further prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Nigeria and its citizens, expressing hope that the nation’s diversity would serve as a foundation for national unity and shared prosperity.
The President also expressed gratitude 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 rare privilege of accessing the interior of the Holy Ka’abah.
Members of the President’s entourage included National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.
Tinubu is expected to arrive in Abuja on Thursday, November 5.
