By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing the Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.
The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13pm Saudi time.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
The statement recalled that the President was also granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure last Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
During the prayers, Tinubu sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, as well as divine guidance and wisdom to continue leading the country.
He also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah.
Those who accompanied the President included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.
