What I prayed for inside Holy Kaaba – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians after being granted the rare privilege of praying inside the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The President said he believed his prayers had been answered, recalling that he undertook a similar spiritual exercise before the 2023 presidential election and returned to express gratitude to Allah.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.

Tinubu recalled asking Allah to bless his Umrah before the election, saying he had promised to return in thanksgiving.

The President spoke about the experience during his visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage commonly described as the lesser Hajj.

Details of his remarks were contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the Kaaba.

He described the opportunity as a historic spiritual experience and an expression of the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The President also expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for their hospitality and the recognition accorded him and his delegation.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of leadership, Tinubu said power belonged to Allah, who could bestow it on an individual or withdraw it.

He referred to the message of Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, stressing that political authority must be exercised responsibly and with humility.

Tinubu described his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief, out of millions of Nigerians, as a divine favour requiring dedicated service.

He expressed confidence that faith would help Nigeria overcome its challenges, while reaffirming his determination to pursue prosperity and national development.

On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s direction, saying its foundations had strengthened.

He also emphasised the need to invest in young Nigerians, arguing that the opportunities created for them would determine how future generations remembered the present leadership.

Members of the delegation who joined him included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.

Business leaders, including BUA Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu and Oando Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu, also participated in the visit.