President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace their ethnic, religious and cultural differences as a source of national strength, urging citizens to work together towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday, November 1, during a dinner he hosted for members of his delegation in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he is currently undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to translate into prosperity, unity, peace and sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” Tinubu said.
He expressed hope that the country’s diverse population would continue to serve as a foundation for national advancement rather than become a source of division. He also stressed the importance of mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s development.
The President further prayed for lasting peace and harmony across the country, asking Allah to grant Nigeria’s leaders the wisdom, courage and foresight required to steer the nation towards greater development and improved living conditions for its people.
He also sought divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, calling for stronger bonds of brotherhood among citizens and a renewed commitment to patriotism, compassion and service to the nation.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, combined with the talents, creativity and enterprise of its diverse population, provided a strong foundation for building an inclusive and prosperous nation.
He urged Nigerians across religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds to continue working together in the national interest, expressing confidence that the country could overcome its challenges through faith, unity of purpose and collective determination.
The dinner also provided an opportunity for members of the delegation to express their support for the President and offer prayers for the country’s peace, stability and economic progress.
Speaking at the gathering, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, said the delegation had used its time in Makkah to pray for Nigeria, their families and the country’s future.
Rabiu disclosed that the dinner was the third hosted by the President since the delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia.
He reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s administration, saying the business community would continue to support the President in advancing the country’s development.
“We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can and definitely, as you all know, Mr President is very passionate about the country. He’s working very hard, and we’ll continue to support him,” Rabiu said.
Also speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength for the President as he leads the country.
AbdulRazaq called for continued prayers for Nigeria and asked Allah to guide Tinubu in making decisions that would advance national development.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also offered prayers for the President, asking Allah to strengthen his efforts to deliver good governance and justice to Nigerians irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Other dignitaries at the dinner included Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Namadi, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Also present were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 29 to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah. The Presidency had earlier said the visit would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
T
Leave a comment