President Bola Tinubu has said his commitment to Project Nigeria is now stronger, pledging to pursue national prosperity, invest in young people and govern in line with the will of Almighty Allah and the aspirations of Nigerians.
Tinubu spoke on Monday while reflecting on his trip to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was allowed to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, granted the President and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure. Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led him in.
Inside the Ka’abah, the President offered prayers of gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the honour, which he described as historic and deeply spiritual, and as a reflection of the long-standing friendship, mutual respect and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in green-white-green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the Holy Land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever.”
Tinubu said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to keep serving Nigerians, adding that he believes the prayer has been answered.
“Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” he said.
Citing Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, the President said sovereignty ultimately belongs to Allah, who gives and withdraws power. According to him, the verse reminds leaders to exercise authority responsibly, with humility and in service of the people.
“He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person,’” he said.
Tinubu said his faith had strengthened his belief that leading Nigeria is a blessing that must be matched with dedicated service.
“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he stated.
On the economy, he expressed optimism about the progress made under his administration.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He stressed the need to invest in the youth, noting that present leadership decisions will determine how future generations remember today’s leaders.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he added.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people. It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness.”
The President pledged to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young Nigerians and create conditions for citizens to realise their potential, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him through purposeful leadership.
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