President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intensify efforts to build a prosperous Nigeria, strengthen the economy and invest in young people following his spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu restated his commitment to Project Nigeria on Monday while reflecting on his Umrah pilgrimage and the opportunity to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President said he used the rare opportunity to ask Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred site.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude for the opportunity to lead Nigeria.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting the delegation the privilege. He described the experience as a historic honour and praised the Saudi authorities for their hospitality.
He also noted that the Ka’abah’s green, white and green decoration reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
Tinubu Seeks Wisdom and Strength to Lead Nigeria
Reflecting on his prayers, Tinubu said he asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving the country. He expressed confidence that his request had been answered.
The President recalled making a similar prayer during his Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election. He said he had promised to return and give thanks if Allah granted his request.
Tinubu also referred to Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which describes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority.
He said the passage reinforced his belief that political power comes from God and must be exercised responsibly.
According to the President, leadership requires humility because no position of authority is permanent. He stressed that those entrusted with power must use it in the service of the people.
Tinubu described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief as a special blessing that carries a responsibility to serve the country.
President Renews Project Nigeria Commitment
The President said his commitment to Project Nigeria had become stronger after the spiritual experience.
He pledged to pursue policies that would promote prosperity, national development and shared progress. He also urged Nigerians to follow their conscience and support efforts to build a better country.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the direction of his administration’s policies. He described the economic foundation as solid and said Nigeria had moved beyond a difficult period.
However, he acknowledged that building a prosperous nation requires sustained investment in younger generations.
The President questioned how future generations would judge today’s leaders if they failed to prepare young Nigerians for the years ahead.
He said his administration would continue strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating conditions that would allow citizens to realise their potential.
Tinubu maintained that developing the country and securing a better future for its youth remained central to his Project Nigeria agenda.
Governors, Ministers and Business Leaders Join Delegation
The Presidency also listed several members of the Nigerian delegation who reportedly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah and pray alongside the President.
They included Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.
Governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states were also among the delegation members mentioned in the statement.
Business leaders Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, chief executive officer of Oando, were also listed.
The Presidency described the visit as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, built on friendship, mutual respect and cooperation.
Tinubu concluded by thanking Allah for the opportunity to lead Nigeria and reaffirming his determination to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in him.