President Muhammadu Buhari will today Thursday, May 16 leave the country for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
According to a statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President is expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday, May 21.
The statement reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to perform the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the Kingdom.
“To this effect, the President, accompanied by close personal aides, will embark on the journey on Thursday, 16th May.
“He is expected back in the country on Tuesday, 21st May.
“Umrah is an optional but recommended pilgrimage to Makkah that can be made at any time of the year,” Me Shehu said.
Buhari recently returned to Nigeria after about ten days of a ‘private’ visit to the UK. The purpose of the visit was not disclosed.