President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for sustained commitment and collective efforts towards nation-building, emphasising the need for Nigerians to harness the country’s diversity as a source of strength in promoting national development, peace and security.
The President made the call while speaking with State House correspondents in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his pilgrimage to perform Umrah, also known as the Lesser Hajj.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of drawing on the country’s collective strengths and shared aspirations to build a more secure and prosperous nation.
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“Our strength is our diversity, and we continue to build on that for the prospect and security of the country,” the President stated.
He also reflected on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage, saying, “And we are giving it to our minds and our spirits in every way possible.”
During the spiritual exercise, President Tinubu circled the Holy Ka’abah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in worship, devotion, and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah for His blessings on Nigeria and her people.
President Tinubu prayed for sustainable peace, national unity, harmony and stability in Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to guide the country’s leaders with wisdom, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians, and grant the nation lasting relief from insecurity and other challenges.
“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” the President said.
He expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to make progress toward economic prosperity, social development, and a more secure future for all its citizens.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation where every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background, can live in safety, dignity, and harmony.
The President was accompanied during the interaction by several senior government officials and dignitaries, including Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, among others.
President Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night through the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
His visit to Makkah is devoted to performing the religious rites associated with Umrah and offering prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week following the completion of the spiritual exercise.
