President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national development, declaring that his resolve to build a prosperous Nigeria has been strengthened following his recent spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah).
The President made the declaration on Monday while reflecting on his experience in the Kingdom, where he and members of the Nigerian delegation were granted the rare opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah and offer prayers.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege, describing the experience as a deeply cherished moment and a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah.
Speaking after the visit, Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said, recalling that he had made a similar spiritual journey before the 2023 general election and promised to return in gratitude.
The President also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which affirms that Almighty Allah is the ultimate owner of sovereignty and grants or withdraws authority as He wills.
He said the message reinforced his belief that political power is a trust that must be exercised with humility, responsibility and commitment to the welfare of the people.
Tinubu described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief as a divine privilege, adding that the opportunity must be matched with dedicated service to the country.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the country’s outlook, describing its economic foundation as solid and saying Nigeria had emerged from a difficult period.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by current leaders would shape how future generations judge their stewardship.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he asked.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to focus on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating an environment in which citizens could realise their potential.
The President’s visit to the Ka’abah was also attended by members of the Nigerian delegation, including Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders, including BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu, were also among those who joined the President in the prayers.
In his remarks, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince for the hospitality extended to him and the delegation, describing the opportunity to pray inside the Ka’abah as a historic and unforgettable spiritual experience.
