President Bola Tinubu has said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, recalling that he undertook a similar spiritual exercise before the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu spoke with journalists on Monday after observing prayers at the Holy Mosque in Ka’aba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity and good health to undertake the spiritual exercise.
“I feel fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity and the health. The day went very well,” he said.
The President said he prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to translate into prosperity, noting that the country comprised people of different faiths.
The prayer is for Allah to convert our diversity. Nigeria is full of diversity. It is made up of all the faiths. May Allah convert all the diversity to prosperity for the country. That is my prayer,” he said.
Speaking about his personal requests during the visit, Tinubu said he asked God for wisdom and resilience to continue serving the people, adding that he believed his prayers had been answered.
He recalled that he had undertaken a similar spiritual exercise before the 2023 election, when he prayed for a successful Umrah and promised to return to express his gratitude.
“Prior to the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then. He did, and I promised that I would come back to thank him, Almighty Allah,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed gratitude for being elected to lead Nigeria, saying he believed his position was a favour from God and that those entrusted with power must exercise it responsibly.
“There is no other God but him. He is the giver and the taker,” he said.
“He owns the power. He said, 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.”
Tinubu said his commitment to Nigeria remained strong, adding that he was determined to pursue prosperity in line with his faith and the aspirations of Nigerians.
“My commitment is higher, and committed to bringing prosperity. To develop the country consistently with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to put God first, follow their consciences and choose the right path towards national development.
“It is important to put Allah first. Then follow your conscience, follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that the country was emerging from its difficulties, insisting that the foundation laid by his administration was solid and that its reforms were yielding results.
“The foundation is solid. The economy has come out of the dark tunnel. It is inspiring. We need to build the future for our youths,” he said.
He stressed the need for sustained investment in young people, questioning how future generations would judge the country’s present leaders if they failed to prepare for their future.
The President also thanked the Saudi authorities for granting him access to the Ka’aba, describing the experience as historic, and expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome it with faith in the Almighty,” he said.