ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday departed Abuja for Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, during which he will offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The presidential aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, took off from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 2:20 p.m. after a brief departure ceremony.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared video footage of the departure ceremony on his X account, had earlier announced the trip in an official statement. He said the visit would afford the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the nation.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” Onanuga stated.
Before boarding the aircraft, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, presented Tinubu with a bisht — a traditional Arabian ceremonial overcoat — on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.
The President also commissioned equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the airport prior to his departure.
Among those present to see the President off were Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume; Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto); Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; and other senior government officials.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise. Presidency sources confirmed that the President arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah later on Thursday evening, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi protocol officials.
This marks the second time Tinubu has performed Umrah since assuming office in May 2023. He previously visited the holy city in November 2023.
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