Tinubu Reveals Powerful Prayers Made Inside Holy Ka’abah During Umrah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians during his recent visit to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as part of his Umrah pilgrimage.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to national development, promising to strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundations, invest in young people and create more opportunities for citizens.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu and members of Nigeria’s delegation permission to enter the Holy Ka’abah and offer prayers. Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram reportedly led the President into the sacred structure.

During the visit, Tinubu expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege, describing the experience as a historic and deeply meaningful spiritual moment. He also said the gesture reflected the longstanding relationship, friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The President said he offered prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s leader and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He added that he had asked for the wisdom and strength needed to discharge his responsibilities effectively.

Tinubu recalled making a similar prayer during his Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, explaining that he had promised to return to express gratitude if his request was granted.

He said the experience had further strengthened his belief that political authority comes from Almighty Allah and must be exercised with humility, responsibility and dedication to the people. According to him, positions of power are temporary, and leaders must remain conscious of their obligation to serve in accordance with their responsibilities.

The President also expressed appreciation to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince for the hospitality and recognition extended to him and the Nigerian delegation. He described the opportunity to pray inside the Ka’abah as an honour he would always cherish.

Speaking about his administration’s priorities, Tinubu declared that his commitment to what he described as Project Nigeria had grown stronger. He said he remained determined to work towards a prosperous country through policies and programmes that support national development and improve the lives of citizens.

On the economy, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid and its emergence from a difficult period as encouraging.

He, however, stressed that sustained investment in young Nigerians was essential to securing the country’s future. Tinubu questioned how current leaders would be remembered decades from now if they failed to create opportunities and prepare younger generations for greater responsibilities.

He reiterated that his administration would continue working to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people and create an environment where Nigerians could achieve their potential.

Meanwhile, several members of the Nigerian delegation also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah and pray alongside the President. Those present included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states; BUA Chairman Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu; and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu.