President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians after receiving the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The President made this known on Monday, November 2, 2026, following his spiritual visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, and offered prayers for Nigeria.
Tinubu reportedly kissed the sacred Black Stone, known as Hajar al Aswad, before entering the Holy Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred structure, during his visit on Sunday, November 1.
His entry into the sacred building was made possible through special approval from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Nigerian leader was reportedly led into the Holy Kaaba by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al Haram, where he offered prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s President and Commander in Chief.
Speaking after the spiritual experience, Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the Saudi monarch, the Crown Prince and the authorities responsible for managing the holy sites for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred building.
He described the experience as historic and a rare spiritual privilege that he would always cherish.
The President also disclosed that his prayers centred on obtaining wisdom and resilience to continue serving the Nigerian people.
He expressed confidence that his prayers had been answered, recalling that he performed Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, when he also asked Allah for blessings and promised to return to give thanks if his prayers were answered.
Tinubu explained that his latest visit was partly to fulfil that promise.
He also reflected on the meaning of Surah Aal Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Quran, which explains that Almighty Allah has ultimate authority over power and sovereignty, giving leadership to whom He wills and taking it away from whom He wills.
According to the President, political power should be treated as a responsibility and a trust that must be exercised with humility, honesty and dedication to the welfare of the people.
He acknowledged that becoming Nigeria’s President among millions of citizens was a special blessing from Allah and said the opportunity must be matched with meaningful service to the country.
Tinubu further declared that his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria had become stronger following the spiritual experience.
He said his administration remained determined to pursue national development, economic prosperity and opportunities for young Nigerians, while working towards a future that reflects the aspirations of the people.
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic direction, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid.
He maintained that the country had emerged from a difficult economic period and said the progress recorded so far was encouraging.
Tinubu also stressed the need for greater investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations remember them.
He said building a better future for young people must remain a major priority because the country’s long term prosperity depends on the opportunities created for the next generation.
The President also urged Nigerians to put Allah first, follow their conscience and remain committed to the right path towards national greatness.
During his visit, Tinubu offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and prosperity, expressing hope that the country’s challenges would be overcome through faith and determination.
The presidential delegation included Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Prominent business leaders, including BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu, were also part of the delegation.
Members of the delegation reportedly expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba and pray alongside the President.
The Presidency said the visit further demonstrated the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly their shared religious ties, friendship and diplomatic cooperation.
