President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, during which he is expected to pray for Nigeria’s peace, national unity, stability and continued development.
Tinubu arrived in Jeddah on Thursday, Oct. 29, ahead of his journey to Makkah for the religious rites. He was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
The President’s trip was announced by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the visit would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, as Tinubu seeks Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters, comprising two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B aircraft. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The President departed Abuja at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, following a brief ceremony attended by state governors and senior government officials.
Among those who saw him off were Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Also present were Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, also presented Tinubu with a bisht, a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince before the President’s departure.
The Presidency said Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria the following week after completing the pilgrimage.
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