President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing a week-long spiritual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he performed the Umrah, also known as the lesser Hajj.
The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53pm on Wednesday, November 4.
Tinubu was received on arrival by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police and other senior government officials.
The President had departed Abuja for Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and arrived in Jeddah before proceeding to Makkah for the religious exercise.
During the visit, Tinubu performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, alongside members of the Nigerian delegation.
He was also granted special access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation offered prayers.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity, while seeking divine guidance and wisdom for the country’s leaders.
The statement added that Tinubu 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.
Before leaving Saudi Arabia, the President held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace in Jeddah.
His delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.
Tinubu’s return brings his week-long religious visit to an end as his administration continues to face domestic economic and security challenges.
