President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national development, promising to pursue policies that promote prosperity, create opportunities for young Nigerians and build a stronger economy.
Tinubu made the pledge today after performing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia, where he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers alongside members of his Nigerian delegation.
The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred site, describing the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual honour.
He said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that Almighty Allah would guide him in discharging his responsibilities.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled that he had also performed Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for Allah’s blessings and promised to return to express his gratitude.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the Ka’abah.
Reflecting on the experience, the President thanked the Saudi monarch, the Crown Prince and the administrators of the holy sites for the hospitality and recognition accorded him and his delegation.
He described the opportunity as a testament to the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, founded on friendship, mutual respect and cooperation.
Tinubu also drew inspiration from the Holy Qur’an, particularly Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, which affirms that Almighty Allah holds ultimate sovereignty, granting power to whom He wills and taking it away from whom He wills.
He said the message underscored the need for leaders to exercise authority responsibly, with humility and in the service of the people.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said, stressing that leadership was a privilege that must be exercised in accordance with divine guidance and the people’s expectations.
Tinubu described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as a special blessing from Allah, which imposed a responsibility on him to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in his leadership.
He said the spiritual experience had further strengthened his determination to pursue his administration’s development agenda.
“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,” he said.
The President urged leaders to put Allah first, follow their conscience and pursue the right path towards national greatness.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid and its 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.
He, however, emphasised the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present-day leaders would determine how future generations judged their stewardship.
“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?” he asked.
Tinubu said his administration would remain focused on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people and creating an environment in which Nigerians could realise their potential.
Other members of the delegation who entered the Ka’abah included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders, including Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also among those who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pray inside the sacred site.
The President concluded by thanking Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead Nigeria and pledging to continue working towards national prosperity and development.
