MECCA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, pledging to strengthen the country’s economic foundations, invest in the future of young people and pursue development in line with the aspirations of Nigerians and the will of Almighty Allah
The President made the declaration on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, during which he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers.
Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred Islamic site.
The President described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual moment, noting that it reflected the longstanding relationship of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of serving as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Speaking about the experience, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Saudi leadership and administrators of the holy land for the recognition and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.
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.
I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.
We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince.
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, the President said.
Reflecting on the significance of the spiritual exercise, Tinubu disclosed that he specifically sought divine wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue discharging his responsibilities to Nigerians.
He expressed confidence that his prayers had been answered, recalling that he undertook a similar spiritual journey before the 2023 presidential election, when he asked Allah to bless his Umrah and promised to return in thanksgiving.
“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.
The President also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Almighty Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty, with the authority to grant and withdraw power as He wills.
According to Tinubu, the message reinforces the understanding that political authority is a divine trust that must be exercised with humility, responsibility and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
Quoting the Qur’anic message, he emphasised that no individual possesses permanent authority, as ultimate power and sovereignty belong to Almighty Allah.
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, the President stated.
Tinubu further described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as an extraordinary blessing from God, noting that the opportunity to lead a country of Nigeria’s population and diversity comes with enormous responsibility.
I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he added.
The President assured Nigerians that his commitment to national development had become stronger, declaring his determination to pursue policies and programmes capable of delivering prosperity, economic growth and shared progress.
He stressed the importance of putting God first, following one’s conscience and making decisions that would move Nigeria towards its desired greatness.
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.
It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” Tinubu said.
Speaking on the country’s economic outlook, the President expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing Nigeria’s economic foundation as solid and the country’s emergence from a difficult period as encouraging.
The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring, he said.
However, Tinubu acknowledged the importance of sustained investment in young Nigerians, stressing that the decisions taken by present-day leaders would determine how future generations would assess their contributions to national development.
He argued that building a sustainable future for young people must remain a major priority for those entrusted with leadership positions.
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, the President added.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and creating an enabling environment for citizens to realise their potential.
The spiritual experience also drew emotional reactions from members of the Nigerian delegation who accompanied the President to the holy site.
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara States were among those who expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and the President for the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah and offer prayers.
Prominent business figures, including BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also part of those who shared their appreciation for the rare spiritual experience.
The President concluded by expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead Nigeria, reaffirming his determination to justify the confidence placed in him through purposeful leadership and sustained commitment to national progress.
His remarks placed renewed emphasis on national development, responsible leadership, youth empowerment and the role of faith in guiding public service.
