President Bola Ahmed Tinubu performed the Umrah pilgrimage in the early hours of Friday, 30 October 2024, at the Masjid al‑Harām in Makkah, within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the ritual he offered prayers of gratitude to Allah and asked for continued guidance and protection for Nigeria.
Key details of the visit
- The President circled the Holy Ka‘bah at the Grand Mosque as part of the spiritual exercise, according to a statement released to State House correspondents by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
- In the same statement, the Presidency noted that Tinubu’s prayers focused on wisdom for the country’s leaders, stronger brotherhood among Nigerians, and lasting relief from insecurity and other challenges.
- When questioned by journalists after the pilgrimage, Tinubu emphasized the significance of the Umrah for the love of the Nigerian people and the commitment to the nation’s welfare, stating, “I believe this Umrah is very significant for the love of our people, commitment to the job and our country, Nigeria; commitment to the will of Allah that His words must prevail, and that there’s no other God but Him.”
- He added, “He’s the only one that makes a human being what he can be and what he would be in life.”
What did the President pray for?
Tinubu asked Allah to grant sustainable peace, national unity, harmony and stability across Nigeria. He specifically requested that leaders be endowed with wisdom, that the bonds of brotherhood among citizens be strengthened, and that the nation receive lasting relief from insecurity and other pressing challenges.
President’s reflections on the pilgrimage
“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” Tinubu said. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue progressing toward economic prosperity, social development and a more secure future for all its citizens.
Government’s broader commitment
The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria where every individual, irrespective of faith or background, can live in safety, dignity and harmony. The pilgrimage, he noted, underscores the moral and spiritual foundation that guides his leadership and the nation’s collective aspirations.