Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia for Abuja after performing Umrah

President Bola Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, in Makkah.

Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13pm Saudi time on Wednesday, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport.

The President had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

On Sunday, Tinubu was granted access to the interior of the Ka’abah, where he and members of his delegation performed two-raka’at prayers.

The statement said the President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.

Tinubu also prayed for blessings upon Nigeria and its citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of national cohesion and shared prosperity.

He thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, particularly the privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah to pray.

The President’s entourage included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.

Tinubu is expected to arrive in Abuja on Thursday.