I’m determined to develop Nigeria, create opportunities for youths, Tinubu says

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, saying he will continue to pursue national development, invest in the future of young people and serve the country with wisdom and resilience.

Tinubu spoke on Monday while reflecting on his recent spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.

He described the experience as historic and a reflection of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for the hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation.

“It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history,” he said.

The President disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his request had been granted.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.

Tinubu recalled that he had performed Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, when he also prayed for Allah’s blessings and promised to return to express his gratitude.

Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which states that Allah grants and withdraws power as He wills, the President said political authority was a trust that must be exercised responsibly.

He noted that no position of authority was permanent, stressing that power ultimately belonged to Almighty Allah.

“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,’” he said.