Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has renewed his commitment to national development, declaring that his determination to build a prosperous country has grown stronger following his spiritual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he sought divine wisdom and resilience to continue serving the Nigerian people.
The President made the declaration after performing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Makkah, where he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
“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.”
President Bola Tinubu
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President described his access to the sacred site as a historic and deeply cherished experience.
Tinubu Grateful for Rare Access to Holy Ka’abah
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s leadership and authorities for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the Umrah pilgrimage.
I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity. It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history.”
Tinubu disclosed that his prayers focused on obtaining the wisdom and resilience required to continue discharging his responsibilities as Nigeria’s leader, adding, “I know that prayer has been granted.”
The President also recalled undertaking an Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, during which he sought Allah’s blessings and promised to return in gratitude should his prayers be answered.
His latest pilgrimage, therefore, represented an opportunity to fulfil that promise and express appreciation for what he considers divine intervention in his emergence as Nigeria’s President.
Tinubu Describes Political Power as Divine Trust
Reflecting on the responsibilities associated with political authority, Tinubu referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an.
The President stressed that the passage reinforced his understanding that political leadership was not an entitlement but a responsibility that must be exercised with humility, accountability and dedication to the people.
According to him, those entrusted with authority must recognise that their positions are temporary and should use the opportunity to serve the public interest rather than pursue power for its own sake.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority.”
President Bola Tinubu
He added, “I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being.”
The President urged Nigerians to put Almighty Allah first, follow their conscience and remain committed to the right path towards national greatness.
He also encouraged a sense of collective responsibility in pursuing the country’s development, suggesting that national progress required both responsible leadership and the support of the people.
Tinubu Reaffirms Economic Agenda and Youth Investment
Turning to Nigeria’s economic outlook, Tinubu expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing the foundation laid for economic recovery as solid and the country’s movement out of difficult economic conditions as encouraging.
The President maintained that his administration remained determined to pursue policies and programmes that would strengthen the economy, promote prosperity and advance the aspirations of Nigerians.
“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.”
President Bola Tinubu
He reiterated that his administration would continue focusing on strengthening the economy and expanding opportunities for the country’s younger population.
By linking youth investment to the legacy of present-day leadership, Tinubu emphasised that national development should be measured not only by immediate economic progress but also by the prospects created for generations yet to come.
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