President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development, pledging to pursue policies that will promote prosperity, expand opportunities for young people and strengthen the country’s economy.
The President spoke on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj (Umrah) and was granted the rare privilege of praying inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation access to the sacred structure.
He described the experience as a historic spiritual honour and a demonstration of the longstanding friendship and cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The President, who was led into the Ka’abah by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram, said he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for making it possible for him to serve as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue discharging his responsibilities to Nigerians.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” he said.
Quoting Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, Tinubu said political authority ultimately belongs to Almighty Allah, who grants and withdraws power according to His will.
He stressed that leadership should be approached with humility and a sense of responsibility, noting that positions of authority are temporary and must be used in the service of the people.
The President further expressed confidence in the country’s economic direction, describing the foundation of the economy as solid and Nigeria’s emergence from a difficult period as encouraging.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu also emphasised the need to invest in the future of young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations remember them.
“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? That’s the main thing,” he added.
Reiterating his commitment to national development, the President said his administration would remain focused on building a prosperous country in line with the aspirations of 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 stated.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation, including Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states; and business leaders Abdulsamad Rabiu and Wale Tinubu, also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pray inside the Ka’abah.
The President’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
