President Bola Tinubu has departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja after completing a week-long lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, in the holy city of Makkah.
Tinubu left King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Wednesday aboard the presidential aircraft.
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement, saying the aircraft departed the airport’s Royal Terminal at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time.
The President was seen off by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, alongside Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before boarding his flight, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex.
During his stay, which began last Thursday, the President and members of his delegation performed the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at Masjid al-Haram.
A major highlight of the visit was Tinubu’s access to the interior of the Ka’abah on Sunday, following special permission granted by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The President and members of his delegation reportedly offered two raka’at prayers inside the sacred structure.
Tinubu also prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity, while seeking divine guidance and wisdom in leading the country.
Speaking after completing the pilgrimage on Friday, the President said leadership ultimately rested in God’s hands.
He stated, “Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become.”
On Monday, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to national development, declaring that his dedication to the country remained unwavering.
He said, “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.”
The President also expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, particularly the special access to the Ka’abah.
Members of his entourage on the return journey included National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.
The pilgrimage attracted public and political attention as it came shortly after Tinubu formally launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
