President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, as part of a spiritual visit during which he is expected to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will provide Tinubu an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country and its people.
While in the holy city of Makkah, the President is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria amid the country’s continuing economic, security and social challenges.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at various times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period of the Islamic calendar.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations.
The inauguration of the airport’s Presidential Wing is expected to mark an important development in facilities used for presidential and other official movements, while the Air Force equipment is intended to support the military’s operational responsibilities.
The statement said the President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
The visit comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with pressing national concerns, including insecurity, economic hardship and the need to strengthen national unity. The President’s stated intention to pray for peace and stability places the trip within the context of his administration’s broader concerns about the country’s future.
