Precious Nwonu, Enugu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his commitment to Nigeria’s development remains stronger than ever, following his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

The President made the declaration while reflecting on his pilgrimage and the rare opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Tinubu expressed appreciation 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 spiritual privilege, he said his prayers focused on seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he 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 in gratitude.

Reflecting on the Qur’anic teaching in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, Tinubu said political power belongs ultimately to Almighty Allah and should be treated as a responsibility that demands humility and service to the people.

He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief as a special blessing, adding that the position carries a duty to work for the country’s progress.

Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Tinubu said he remained determined to strengthen the economy, promote prosperity and create opportunities for Nigerians.

“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 also expressed optimism about the economy, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid and the progress recorded as encouraging.

He, however, emphasised the need to invest in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations judge their leadership.

“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.

Members of the Nigerian delegation who also expressed gratitude for the opportunity included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.

Business leaders Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, Chief Executive Officer of Oando, were also part of the delegation.