President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’bah in Makkah and offer prayers as one of the most memorable moments of his spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian leader was granted access to Islam’s holiest site during his ongoing Umrah pilgrimage, with special arrangements reportedly made ahead of his visit. Pictures circulating on social media showed temporary barriers painted in Nigeria’s national colours, green, white and green, surrounding the sacred structure.
The arrangement attracted attention after Inside The Haramain, a platform covering developments around Islam’s two holy mosques, shared photographs of the barriers on Monday. The platform also announced that Tinubu was expected to enter the Ka’bah later that night.
The President was also captured kissing the Hajar al-Aswad, popularly known as the Black Stone, a sacred Islamic relic situated at one corner of the Ka’bah. The stone is traditionally approached by pilgrims during Tawaf, the ritual of walking seven times around the Ka’bah.
Speaking after the historic visit, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for making the visit possible for him and members of his delegation.
He particularly appreciated the decision to use Nigeria’s national colours on the temporary barriers, saying the gesture reminded him of his country’s identity.
Tinubu described the opportunity to pray inside the Ka’bah as a rare privilege and a moment he would always cherish. He also said the experience reflected the strong relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President used the spiritual visit to renew his commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Tinubu disclosed that he had asked Allah for wisdom, strength and resilience to continue leading the country, expressing confidence that his prayers would be answered.
He recalled making a similar request before the 2023 presidential election, explaining that he had promised to return to Saudi Arabia to offer thanks if his prayers were granted.
The President also described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special favour from God, noting that occupying the country’s highest political office carries a significant responsibility.
Among those who accompanied him were Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi; Health Minister Professor Muhammad Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Other members of the delegation included BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu.
