Tinubu says Kaabah visit strengthened resolve to serve Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu said he was granted access to pray inside the Kaabah during a recent Umrah visit to Saudi Arabia, and described the experience as a source of renewed resolve to serve Nigerians. He also said he prayed for wisdom and resilience and believed his prayer had been answered. Tinubu’s remarks were relayed in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. The president thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for allowing him and members of the Nigerian delegation to enter the sacred site in Makkah. He called the opportunity a historic honour and thanked Saudi authorities for their hospitality. Tinubu said his prayer focused on gaining the wisdom and resilience to continue serving the country. He connected the experience to an earlier Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, saying he had then prayed for blessings and promised to return in gratitude. Reflecting on political authority, Tinubu said power ultimately belongs to Allah and can be granted or withdrawn. He described public office as a responsibility that must be exercised with humility and in the interests of the people. The president...