Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Development After Praying at Holy Ka’abah
President Bola Tinubu has renewed his commitment to Nigeria’s development, pledging to pursue national prosperity, invest in young people and implement policies that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
The President made the commitment on Monday while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, during which he was granted the rare opportunity to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for extending the privilege to him and members of his delegation.
He described the experience as a historic and deeply treasured spiritual moment, which also reflected the strong relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu Seeks Divine Wisdom and Strength at Holy Ka’abah
During the visit, Tinubu offered prayers to Almighty Allah, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram reportedly guided the President into the sacred area.
Reflecting on the experience, Tinubu said the opportunity had strengthened his faith and renewed his determination to serve the country.
He also acknowledged the hospitality and recognition extended to him and his delegation by the Saudi authorities.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that faith in Allah would help Nigerians overcome the challenges facing the country and the wider world.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince,” he added.
Tinubu disclosed that he specifically prayed for wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue serving Nigerians effectively.
He recalled undertaking a similar spiritual journey before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for blessings during his Umrah pilgrimage and promised to return to express gratitude.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to serve the people. I truly believe my prayer was answered. Before the 2023 election, I did something similar. I prayed to Allah for blessings on my Umrah, and He granted that too. I promised to return and thank Him,” the President stated.
Tinubu Says Political Power Comes With Responsibility
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which describes Allah as the giver and taker of power, Tinubu said political authority should be treated as a responsibility rather than a personal possession.
He emphasised that leaders must exercise power with humility, integrity and consideration for the welfare of the people, noting that positions of authority are not permanent.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,’” he said.
The President described his position as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing from God, adding that the opportunity should inspire genuine service to the nation.
“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
President Pledges Greater Commitment to Project Nigeria
Tinubu said his spiritual experience had strengthened his resolve to advance Nigeria’s development and create greater prosperity for its citizens.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a thriving country in line with what he described as the will of Allah and the support of Nigerians.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people.
“It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” he said.
The President also expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, maintaining that the economy had emerged from a difficult period and was showing encouraging signs of recovery.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu Emphasises Investment in Nigerian Youth
The President further stressed the need to invest in young Nigerians, warning that decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations judge their performance.
According to him, providing opportunities for young people remains essential to building a sustainable future for the country.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating an environment where Nigerians can pursue their ambitions.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to lead the country, pledging to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in him through effective leadership and sustained efforts towards national development.
Governors, Ministers and Business Leaders Join Tinubu in Umrah
Also expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Holy Ka’abah and pray with the President were the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
Governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states also joined in expressing appreciation for the spiritual opportunity.
Prominent business leaders, including Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, Chief Executive Officer of Oando, were also among those who expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity.
The pilgrimage provided the President and members of his delegation an opportunity for spiritual reflection, while Tinubu used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity, youth development and national progress.
