President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the conclusion of his visit to Saudi Arabia, disclosing that he and members of his delegation were granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Mecca to pray and perform the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
Tinubu made this known in a statement shared on his X handle, following his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the hospitality and special privilege extended to him and members of his delegation.
The President specifically thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for granting them the opportunity to enter the sacred site and for their hospitality.
“I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah,” Tinubu stated.
He described the gesture as a reflection of the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, expressing appreciation for what he called the brotherly care extended to his delegation.
Tinubu also disclosed that he used the opportunity to offer prayers for Nigeria, seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the country and its citizens.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” the President said.
The visit further highlighted the diplomatic and religious ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which maintains longstanding relations with Nigeria, particularly in areas of religious pilgrimage and bilateral cooperation.
Tinubu signed the statement as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bringing his Saudi Arabian visit to a close with prayers for the nation’s peace and development.
