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President Bola Tinubu has recalled how he prayed for Allah’s blessings before the 2023 presidential election, saying his latest spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia was an opportunity to express gratitude and seek wisdom to continue leading Nigeria.
The President spoke with journalists on Monday after observing prayers at the Holy Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he thanked Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity and good health to undertake the spiritual exercise.
“I feel fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity and the health. The day went very well,” he said.
Tinubu said he prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to become a source of prosperity, noting that the country was made up of people from different religious backgrounds.
“The prayer is for Allah to convert our diversity. Nigeria is full of diversity. It is made up of all the faiths. May Allah convert all the diversity to prosperity for the country. That is my prayer,” he said.
He also disclosed that he asked God for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his request had been granted.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that has been granted,” he said.
Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 election, Tinubu said he had asked Allah to bless the spiritual exercise and promised to return to give thanks.
“Prior to the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then. He did, and I promised that I would come back to thank him, Almighty Allah,” he said.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as an act of divine favour, stressing that political power belonged to God and must be exercised responsibly.
“There is no other God but him. He is the giver and the taker,” he said.
“He owns the power. He said, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to national development, saying he remained determined to pursue policies that would promote prosperity and advance the aspirations of Nigerians.
“My commitment is higher, and committed to bringing prosperity. To develop the country consistently with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to put God first, listen to their consciences and follow the right path towards national development.
“It is important to put Allah first. Then follow your conscience, follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria was emerging from its difficulties, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid and the progress recorded as encouraging.
“The foundation is solid. The economy has come out of the dark tunnel. It is inspiring. We need to build the future for our youths,” he said.
He stressed the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that present leaders must prepare the next generation for the future.
The President also thanked the Saudi authorities for granting him access to the Holy Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic. He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through faith.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome it with faith in the Almighty,” he said.
