By Hosanna Eseose
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, declaring that his resolve to pursue national development and invest in the future of young Nigerians has been strengthened following his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu, who made this known on Monday after performing Umrah, also disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
The President spoke after being granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers, following approval by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the sacred structure, 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.
Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince for the honour, describing the experience as historic and a reflection of the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He said, “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.”
Reflecting on his prayers, the President recalled that he had similarly sought divine blessings during his Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election and had promised to return in gratitude.
“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,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, Tinubu stressed that power and authority ultimately belong to Almighty Allah, who gives and takes them according to His will.
He said the understanding should guide leaders to exercise authority with humility, responsibility and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a rare divine favour, noting that his position came with an obligation to serve the country diligently.
“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,” he declared.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s progress, describing its economic foundation as solid and Nigeria’s emergence from a difficult period as encouraging.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations judge 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.
Tinubu 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, Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah and pray alongside the President.
Business leaders, including Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also among members of the Nigerian delegation who participated in the spiritual experience.
