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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that his prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity have received divine attention, following his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj (Umrah) and was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
Tinubu, who announced the conclusion of his visit yesterday, said he used the opportunity to pray for the country and its people, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Saudi Arabian leadership for the spiritual experience.
In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, Tinubu thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred Islamic site.
He also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and brotherly care extended to him and his entourage, describing the visit as a reflection of the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians.”
Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba as a rare honour, noting that the gesture by the Saudi leadership made the experience particularly significant.
The Holy Kaaba, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is Islam’s most sacred site and the direction towards which Muslims face during their daily prayers. Access to its interior is restricted and generally granted only on special occasions.
The President’s visit came at a time when his administration is confronting challenges relating to economic hardship, insecurity and national cohesion, with the government maintaining that its ongoing reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.
During the pilgrimage, Tinubu had expressed optimism about the direction of the country’s economy, declaring that Nigeria had emerged from a difficult period and was moving towards recovery.
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“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring.”
He also reflected on the sovereignty of Almighty Allah over political leadership, acknowledging that power ultimately belongs to God, who grants it according to His will.
He maintained that leadership was a responsibility requiring humility, dedication and commitment to the welfare of the people, while expressing determination to continue implementing policies aimed at strengthening the economy and improving living conditions.
His assessment of the economy has, however, drawn criticism from opposition groups, including the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, which disputed his claims of recovery, citing rising living costs, poverty, insecurity and the country’s growing debt burden.
The organisation argued that the economic realities confronting households and businesses did not support the President’s optimistic assessment, insisting that many Nigerians were still struggling with the effects of government policies.
Tinubu’s pilgrimage also came against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties and interest groups intensifying activities ahead of the polls.
The President had previously undertaken religious visits to Saudi Arabia, including a pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, during which he sought divine guidance and blessings.
His latest visit provided another opportunity for prayers and spiritual reflection as his administration continues efforts to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the nation’s progress, expressing hope that the prayers offered during the pilgrimage would be accompanied by greater peace, unity and prosperity for Nigerians.
