Tinubu heads to Saudi Arabia Thursday ‘to pray for Nigeria’

By Samuel Solomon

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the presidency has announced.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said in a statement issued on Wednesday that Tinubu would perform Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the Holy City.

Onanuga said the visit would give the president an opportunity for “spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress”.

“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the statement reads.

He added that Tinubu would inaugurate some equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its operations at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport before departing Abuja on Thursday.

The president is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.