Lesser Hajj: Tinubu Departs Jeddah for Abuja

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja, Nigeria, after successfully completing his Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.

A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said Mr Tinubu’s plane took off at the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi time.

He was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin MISHAAL bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo; and the Hon. Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before departure, President Tinubu had a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace at the airport.

Recall that on arrival last Thursday in Saudi Arabia, the President led members of the Nigerian delegation to perform the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

Last Sunday, President Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed the two raka’at prayers.

Inside the Holy Ka’abah, he offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.

President Tinubu also prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would be transformed into a source of strength, national cohesion and shared prosperity.

Mr Tinubu’s visit to Saudi provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving, and prayers for Nigeria, as well as a renewed commitment to the national task of building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.