Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia for Abuja after completing Umrah

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah.

Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13pm Saudi time, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, on Wednesday.

The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.

Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the deputy governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

The President arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday and led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

On Sunday, he was granted special access to the interior of the Ka’abah, where he and members of his delegation offered two raka’at prayers.

During the prayers, Tinubu sought divine intervention for Nigeria, particularly lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity, while asking for wisdom and strength to continue leading the country.

He also prayed for blessings upon Nigeria and its citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would become a source of national cohesion and shared prosperity.