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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigeria after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.
The resident’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time.
Tinubu 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 the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
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According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity, seeking divine guidance and wisdom to continue leading the country.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport.
Accompanying him to the airport were the Deputy Governor, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
He 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 to offer prayers.
The president was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.
