President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria's President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, following his historic opportunity to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that has been granted,” he said.
The President recalled undertaking a similar Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, when he asked Allah for blessings and promised to return in thanksgiving if his prayers were answered.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred structure.
He described the experience as historic and said his commitment to Nigeria had become stronger.
The President also expressed optimism about the economy, declaring that its foundation was solid and that Nigeria had emerged from a difficult period.
However, his remarks attracted mixed reactions during a television discussion, with commentators debating whether the President's description of his emergence as a divine favour adequately reflected the expectations Nigerians have of elected leaders.
One commentator said the privilege of the Nigerian presidency should translate into better treatment and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians, particularly when they travel abroad using Nigerian passports.
The discussion also highlighted the contrast between the diplomatic reception accorded the President in Saudi Arabia and the difficulties many ordinary Nigerians experience when travelling internationally.
Another panelist questioned Tinubu's observation that the barriers around the Ka’abah were painted in Nigeria's green-white-green colours, noting that similar colours are commonly used across several Arab national flags and should not necessarily be interpreted as a special gesture to Nigeria.
The Presidency confirmed on Monday, November 2, that Tinubu had been granted access to pray inside the Ka’abah and reiterated his commitment to national development.
The President's visit had earlier attracted political attention after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar challenged the Presidency to publish daily, date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu participating in the Umrah rites.
The latest images and official statements have provided public documentation of the President's activities in Makkah.
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