Tinubu heads to Makkah to pray for Nigeria

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will provide the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion.

Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.

Before departing the country, the President will commission equipment recently acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations.

The commissioning ceremony will take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, ahead of his journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.

Umrah, often described as the lesser pilgrimage, involves a series of religious rites performed in Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specified period of the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at different times of the year.

The President’s planned visit comes as his administration continues to face national challenges requiring attention to security, economic stability and social development.

The Presidency said the prayers would focus on the country’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.