President Thanks Saudi King and Crown Prince for Rare Privilege, Seeks Divine Wisdom and Resilience to Serve Nigerians
November 2, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his determination to build a prosperous Nigeria, strengthen the nation’s economic foundations and invest in the future of young Nigerians following a historic spiritual experience inside the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The President, who performed Umrah in the Kingdom, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah after being granted the rare privilege of entering Islam’s most sacred sanctuary to offer prayers alongside members of his Nigerian delegation.
According to a State House press release issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the special access was granted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
President Tinubu thanked King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the exceptional honour, describing the experience as historic, deeply spiritual and personally fulfilling.
The significance of the occasion is reflected in the Holy Qur’an:
“Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will.’” — Surah Aal-Imran, 3:26 (Saheeh International)
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram accompanied the President into the Kaaba, where he offered prayers of gratitude for the privilege of serving Nigeria as President and Commander-in-Chief.
TINUBU PRAYS FOR WISDOM AND RESILIENCE
Reflecting on his experience, President Tinubu disclosed that his principal prayer was for divine wisdom and resilience to continue serving the Nigerian people.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” the President declared.
He recalled undertaking a similar pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, during which he prayed for Allah’s blessings and promised to return in gratitude.
The President described his return as the fulfilment of that personal commitment.
He also acknowledged the significance of the Saudi authorities’ hospitality and recognition of the Nigerian delegation.
“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,” he stated.
POWER IS A TRUST FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH
In a reflection on leadership and divine authority, President Tinubu referred to Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which teaches that ultimate sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah, who grants and withdraws authority according to His will.
The President emphasised that political power carries responsibilities and must be exercised with humility, conscience and commitment to public service.
He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as an extraordinary blessing requiring dedication to the welfare of the nation.
“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 said.
His reflections underscored the importance he attaches to faith, accountability and the responsibilities of national leadership.
MY COMMITMENT TO PROJECT NIGERIA IS HIGHER — TINUBU
Turning to national development, President Tinubu declared that his spiritual experience had strengthened his determination to pursue Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“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 stated.
The President urged adherence to conscience and the pursuit of policies capable of advancing Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
He expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, maintaining that reforms undertaken by his administration had strengthened the foundations for recovery.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” Tinubu declared.
His assessment reflects the administration’s position on the progress of its economic reforms, although Nigerians continue to face challenges relating to living costs, employment and public services.
INVESTING IN NIGERIA’S YOUTH
President Tinubu identified investment in young Nigerians as an essential responsibility of national leadership.
He argued that the decisions taken by today’s leaders would determine the opportunities available to future generations and ultimately shape their historical legacy.
“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.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening economic opportunities, expanding national development and creating conditions for Nigerians to realise their potential.
GOVERNORS, MINISTERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
The Nigerian delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
Governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states were also among those identified in the State House statement.
Prominent business leaders accompanying the delegation included BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Wale Tinubu.
According to the Presidency, members of the delegation expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to participate in the exceptional spiritual experience.
The President also described the honour as a reflection of the longstanding diplomatic friendship, mutual respect and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
His remarks concluded with renewed gratitude to Almighty Allah and a commitment to justify the confidence placed in him through purposeful leadership and sustained national development.
THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS’ POSITION
The National Patriots urge Nigerians to distinguish verified facts from misleading political narratives surrounding President Tinubu’s Umrah pilgrimage. Religious devotion deserves respect, irrespective of political affiliation. We encourage critics and opposition figures to engage constructively, avoid unsubstantiated allegations, and respect the spiritual significance of this historic visit to Makkah.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
President, The National Patriots
Member, APC-PCC 2027
Source: State House Press Release, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, November 2, 2026.
