President Bola Tinubu is expected to travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage that allows Muslims to undertake spiritual reflection and worship at Islam’s holiest sites.
The trip, according to the Presidency, will also provide the President an opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress amid the country’s economic and security challenges.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the planned trip in a statement on Wednesday titled, “President Tinubu departs Abuja for Makkah to pray for the nation.”
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the statement said.
Before leaving Abuja, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to support its operations. The inauguration is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
Umrah, unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, can be performed at various times of the year. It involves a series of religious rites in Makkah and is regarded by Muslims as an opportunity for devotion, repentance and seeking Allah’s blessings.
Tinubu’s planned visit combines a religious undertaking with prayers for the country, while his expected return next week will mark the end of the trip.