President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hosted several state governors, senior government officials and prominent business leaders to a dinner in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his ongoing spiritual visit to the country.
The gathering, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, brought together members of the Nigerian delegation accompanying the President on his Umrah pilgrimage.
Among those present were Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Other government officials at the dinner included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; and Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari.
The Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, was also among the notable personalities who attended the gathering.
TINUBU PRAYS FOR NIGERIA’S PROSPERITY
Speaking during the dinner, President Tinubu offered prayers for Nigeria, expressing hope that the country’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity would become a source of national strength and prosperity.
He said:
“God bless Nigeria and convert our diversity to prosperity as a country.”
The President’s remarks reflected his desire for greater national unity, peaceful coexistence and economic progress.
BUA CHAIRMAN REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
Speaking on behalf of the business community, Abdul Samad Rabiu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to accompany the President on the spiritual journey.
Rabiu explained that the visit had provided members of the delegation with an opportunity to pray not only for themselves and their families but also for Nigeria.
He disclosed that the dinner was the third gathering of its kind hosted by the President since the delegation arrived in Makkah.
The BUA chairman also commended Tinubu’s commitment to the country and pledged continued support for his administration.
He said the President remained passionate about Nigeria and was working hard to address the country’s challenges.
Rabiu added that he and other members of the delegation would continue supporting the President in whatever capacity they could.
ABDULRAZAQ PRAYS FOR PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed appreciation to the President and prayed for divine guidance in his leadership.
He asked Almighty Allah to continue granting Tinubu the wisdom, courage, strength and boldness required to make the right decisions for the country.
The governor also reaffirmed the commitment of the governors present to praying for the President and Nigeria’s continued progress.
REASON FOR TINUBU’S VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA
President Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year.
The Presidency had earlier explained that the visit would provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development.
Tinubu subsequently completed the religious rites at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The visit has brought together political leaders, government officials and influential business personalities, with the delegation using the opportunity to pray for Nigeria and discuss the country’s future.
The dinner provided another opportunity for the President and members of his delegation to express their hopes for a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
