President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young people and pursuing national development, while thanking Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President made this known on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah).
Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah, Islam’s most sacred site, as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, expressing gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” the President said.
He also acknowledged the hospitality and recognition extended to him and the Nigerian delegation by the Saudi authorities, describing the experience as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu further reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Almighty Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty, with the authority to grant and withdraw power.
According to the President, political authority is a trust that must be exercised responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people, noting that no position of power is 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 emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing from Almighty Allah, stressing that the opportunity to lead a country of millions of people comes with significant responsibility.
He consequently reaffirmed his commitment to Project Nigeria, saying his determination to pursue national development and economic prosperity had become stronger.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid and saying Nigeria had emerged from what he called a difficult period.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu, however, emphasised the need for sustained investment in the future of young Nigerians, arguing that the decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations assess their leadership.
“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,” he added.
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would remain focused on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating an environment where citizens could realise their potential.
Meanwhile, members of the Nigerian delegation expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to enter and offer prayers inside the Holy Ka’abah alongside the President.
Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara States.
Also present were business leaders, including Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
The President reiterated his appreciation to the Saudi leadership and reaffirmed his determination to justify the confidence Nigerians have placed in him through purposeful leadership and sustained commitment to national development.
