President Bola Tinubu has said he believes Allah has granted his prayer to continue serving Nigeria, following his recent spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
The President made the remarks on Monday while reflecting on his visit to Makkah, where he was granted permission to enter the Holy Ka’abah and offer prayers.
Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue leading the country, expressing confidence that his request had been granted.
He recalled making a similar prayer before the 2023 presidential election, adding that he had promised to return to give thanks after his Umrah.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” the President said.
Tinubu thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah.
He described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual privilege, noting that it reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, the President said political authority ultimately belongs to Almighty Allah, who grants and withdraws power.
He described leadership as a trust that must be exercised with humility and responsibility, adding that those in authority should use their positions to serve the people.
Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s President was a blessing from Allah and should be matched with dedicated service to the country.
“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,” he said.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as Project Nigeria, promising to pursue policies and programmes aimed at promoting prosperity and national development.
“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 said.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He also stressed the need to invest in young Nigerians, warning that decisions taken by current leaders would shape 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?” he added.
The President’s remarks come as political attention increasingly turns to the 2027 general election.
