Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia after Umrah, prayed for Nigeria in Holy Ka'aba

President Bola Tinubu departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Wednesday at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah. Before leaving, he held a brief meeting with Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

The President was accompanied to the airport by Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya. His entourage included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, and Yobe states.

Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka'aba last Sunday, where he performed two raka'at prayers and offered supplications for Nigeria's peace, security, unity, and prosperity. He prayed for divine guidance to continue serving Nigerians and for the country's diversity to become a source of strength and shared prosperity.

The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the visit provided spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Tinubu expressed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies, particularly the Ka'aba access.

This was a personal spiritual trip with diplomatic courtesies—no policy announcements or bilateral agreements were reported. The President returns to Abuja to resume official duties.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/04/tinubu-departs-saudi-arabia-for-nigeria-after-umrah/