President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja after completing the Umrah, also known as the lesser hajj, in the holy city of Makkah.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu’s aircraft departed the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The President had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, to perform the lesser pilgrimage.
During the visit, he led members of his delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Tinubu was also granted special access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah on Sunday, November 1, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
According to Onanuga, the President offered prayers for peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance and strength to continue serving the country.
Tinubu 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.
Members of his entourage included National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other government officials.
The President’s departure brings his week-long religious visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to an end.
