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President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, with prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress expected to form part of his religious exercise.
The President’s aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, took off at 2:20 pm local time. He is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.
Tinubu’s departure was announced on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, in a post on X.
Olusegun said the visit would provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
“The visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress,” he wrote.
Six Governors, Senior Officials See Tinubu Off
Six state governors and senior government officials were at the airport to see the President off before his departure for Saudi Arabia.
The governors were AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
Other dignitaries included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri.
Other government officials also attended the airport departure ceremony.
Tinubu To Pray For Nigeria During Umrah
According to Olusegun, Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” he stated.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can undertake at different times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a designated period in the Islamic calendar.
The pilgrimage includes entering a state of consecration known as Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and undertaking Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Tinubu Previously Visited Makkah In 2023
Thursday’s trip marks another visit by Tinubu to Makkah since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
The President visited the holy city in November 2023, shortly after attending the Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During that visit, he also sought divine guidance for Nigeria as he continued his first year in office.
The latest trip adds to Tinubu’s international engagements since becoming President. The supplied report states that he has travelled to more than 30 countries through over 50 unique and recurring trips.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
