Tinubu at lesser hajj: I’ll change narrative of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu says he is committed to changing the narrative of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Tinubu said his administration was determined to change the narrative through various reforms, programmes, and policies that would ultimately benefit the citizens.

The president stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of rituals of the performance of the lesser hajj, Umrah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

He said: “The prospect of the country is yet to blossom to the level that we require. It needs hard work and consistent prayers by each and every one of us. We are committed to use our strength to bring out this potential for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“That’s why we are here and May Allah accepts all our prayers, individually and collectively, for the good of the nation and its people. There is the need for me to thank God for what He has done for me.

“For His guidance, His blessings, and His answers to my prayers and the country’s prayers and for the good of all humanity. I have to give thanks to God at every opportunity.”

The Umrah is the lesser hajj rituals perform by Muslims at any particular time of the year, while the hajj is only done during the month of hajj in the Islamic calendar.

During his stay at Makkah, Tinubu is being hosted by Saudi Arabia and attached with a special cleric from the Kings palace to conduct him round for the circumambulation of the Kaaba.

The cleric, Sheikh Dakilullah Al-Makky, and the Imam of State House Mosque, Sheik Abdulwahab Suleiman, conducted prayers at the end of the over two-hour rituals.

The rituals include going round the Kaaba seven times and going back and forth at the Safa and Marwa seven times.

The governors of Bauchi, Niger, and Katsina states as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, and other top government official performed the ritual alongside President Tinubu.

Tinubu is in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi-Africa Summit attended by Africa leaders and the business community from both countries.

The Star