Tinubu Arrives In Saudi Arabia For Umrah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his pilgrimage to Makkah, where he will perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj, and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued development.

The president landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, on Thursday, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

President Tinubu’s arrival followed his departure from Abuja earlier on Thursday, marking the commencement of his religious visit to the kingdom.

The president had departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:20p.m., after being seen off by state governors and senior government officials.

Before his departure, President Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters, comprising two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters, to strengthen the military’s operational capacity in combating terrorism and other security threats.

He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the pilgrimage on Wednesday, explaining that the visit would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country.

Before leaving Abuja, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, presented President Tinubu with a bisht, a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.

Among the dignitaries who attended the departure ceremony were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week following the completion of the pilgrimage.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja