President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence that Almighty Allah has answered his prayers for wisdom and resilience as he continues pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
This was just as he reaffirmed his commitment to national development and investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
The President made this known on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, during which he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was led into the sacred structure by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram.
The President 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 his delegation access to the Holy Kaaba.
He described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual privilege, noting that the honour reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Expressing gratitude to the Saudi authorities, Tinubu said the experience had strengthened his faith and determination to serve the country.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
The President added, “It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history.”
Tinubu disclosed that he had asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” he said.
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which speaks about Allah’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty, Tinubu said political authority was a trust that must be exercised with humility and responsibility.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” he said.
The President maintained that his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was a special blessing from Allah, which required him to dedicate himself to the country’s development.
He said his commitment to Project Nigeria had become stronger, promising to pursue prosperity and national development in line with the will of Allah and the aspirations of Nigerians.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” Tinubu said.
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu, however, stressed the need to invest in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations remember them.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he added.
He reiterated that his administration would remain focused on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating an environment where Nigerians could realise their potential.
