President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.
Tinubu was received on arrival on Thursday by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu; Senator A.A. Yari; and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
The President departed Abuja on Thursday for the pilgrimage, also known as the lesser hajj, which Muslims can perform at any time of the year.
His departure followed a ceremony to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced the tripon Wednesday, saying it would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s continued progress.
The presidential aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, took off at about 2:20 p.m.
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Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe were at the airport to see the President off.
Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri; and other government officials.
While in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu is expected to perform the rites associated with Umrah and seek divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
The President previously performed the lesser pilgrimage in November 2023 after attending official engagements in Riyadh for the Saudi-Arab-African Summit.
During that visit, he performed the tawaf, the circulation of the Holy Ka’aba, and said he prayed for Nigeria and humanity.
Crediblenewsng.com
