President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kissed the sacred Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, at the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his spiritual visit to the Kingdom.

 

The President also entered the interior of the Ka’abah, an opportunity granted to him and members of his Nigerian delegation by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

 

Tinubu kissed the Black Stone, located at one corner of the Ka’abah within the Grand Mosque, before entering the sacred structure as part of the religious activities marking his visit.

 

The Black Stone holds significant importance in Islamic tradition and marks the starting point for Tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Ka’abah performed by Muslims during Hajj and Umrah.

 

Tinubu had earlier performed Umrah on Friday, October 30, offering prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.

 

According to the Presidency, the President also sought divine guidance for the country’s leaders and prayed for lasting relief from insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges confronting the nation.

 

Tinubu Thanks Saudi King, Crown Prince For Ka’abah Access

 

Speaking after leading members of his delegation in prayers inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince for granting him the rare opportunity to enter the sacred structure.

 

He described the experience as a historic honour and thanked the Saudi authorities for the hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.

 

“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. I’m grateful forever.

 

“I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince. It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history,” the President said.

 

Tinubu also acknowledged the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special privilege.

 

Tinubu Says Nigeria Will Overcome Insecurity, Poverty Through Faith

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The President used the occasion to express confidence that Nigeria would overcome its numerous challenges, including terrorism, insecurity, poverty and hunger.

 

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said faith in Almighty God would remain important in the country’s efforts to overcome its difficulties.

 

“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,” he said.

 

The President further assured Nigerians that his commitment to national development and the pursuit of prosperity had become stronger following his spiritual experience in Saudi Arabia.

 

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To Project Nigeria

 

Tinubu also restated his determination to pursue policies and programmes aimed at promoting prosperity, national development and shared progress.

 

He urged Nigerians to put their faith in God, follow their conscience and remain committed to the country’s development.

 

“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,” he said.

 

“It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness.”

 

At a dinner with members of his delegation on Sunday, Tinubu also prayed that Nigeria’s diversity would become a source of national prosperity rather than division.

 

“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, who accompanied the President, said the visit provided members of the delegation with an opportunity to pray for themselves, their families and Nigeria.

 

The President’s visit to Makkah comes amid persistent security and economic challenges in Nigeria, with Tinubu expressing renewed confidence that the country would overcome its difficulties through faith, unity and collective commitment to national development.