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President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Wednesday night after completing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia.
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The President was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah, where he performed two raka’at prayers.
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Tinubu prayed for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, as well as divine guidance in leading the country.
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He was accompanied on the spiritual journey by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and governors from five states, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.
November 04, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night returned to Abuja after completing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he also enjoyed the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah, Islam’s holiest site.
The President’s aircraft arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53 pm, marking the end of his religious visit to the Middle Eastern country.
THEWILL reports that the President, upon arrival, was received at the airport by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Also at the airport to welcome him were Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Umaru Radda.
President Tinubu had departed Jeddah earlier on Wednesday after completing the Umrah rites in Makkah, where he led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the religious obligations associated with the lesser Hajj.
His aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi Arabian time.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
The Nigerian leader arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday for the spiritual exercise, which included prayers and acts of worship at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
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Rare Access to Holy Ka’aba
A major highlight of the President’s visit was the rare privilege granted him and members of his delegation to enter the Holy Ka’aba on Sunday.
According to the presidential statement, Tinubu and members of the delegation performed two raka’at prayers inside the sacred structure.
The Holy Ka’aba, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is the most sacred site in Islam and the direction towards which Muslims across the world face during their daily prayers.
During the prayers, the President sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
He also prayed for divine guidance and wisdom to enable him to continue leading the country.
Tinubu subsequently expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
He particularly acknowledged the privilege of being granted access to the interior of the Holy Ka’aba.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
