President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national development, youth empowerment and economic growth following his spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Kaaba.
Reflecting on the rare privilege extended to him and his official delegation by Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Tinubu described the experience as a historic moment that underscored the strong diplomatic and bilateral ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was ushered into the sacred structure by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram.
Expressing appreciation for the reception and hospitality extended by the Saudi authorities, the President said he was deeply grateful for the honour bestowed on Nigeria.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Kaaba. This is history,” Tinubu said.
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The President said his prayers focused on seeking divine guidance, wisdom and resilience to address the country’s challenges and provide effective leadership.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, he emphasised that political leadership is a public trust that must be exercised with humility and a commitment to service.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed confidence in the structural reforms introduced by his administration, arguing that key economic indicators pointed towards long-term stability.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said, adding that sustained investment in young Nigerians remained central to his administration’s governance agenda.
Members of the presidential delegation who joined Tinubu during the spiritual exercise included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Others were the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu.
