President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has emerged from its difficult economic phase expressing confidence that the reforms undertaken by his administration have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
The President who reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as ‘Project Nigeria’ also pledged to intensify investments in the future of young Nigerians insisting that the ultimate measure of leadership lies in the opportunities created for succeeding generations.
Tinubu spoke on Monday while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage during which he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers alongside members of his Nigerian delegation
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects describing the progress recorded under his administration as encouraging.
‘The foundation is solid and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring’ Tinubu declared.
He maintained that the gains of ongoing reforms must translate into lasting opportunities for young Nigerians stressing that today’s leadership decisions would determine the country’s future.
‘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 said.
Reaffirming his determination to pursue national development the President said his renewed spiritual experience had further strengthened his resolve to serve Nigerians and build a prosperous nation.
‘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’ he stated.
Tinubu disclosed that he had prayed for wisdom and resilience to discharge his responsibilities as President expressing confidence that Almighty Allah had answered his supplications.
‘Well I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. 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’ the President said.
Reflecting on the responsibilities of leadership Tinubu cited Surah Aal-Imran Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an which emphasises that ultimate sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah who grants and withdraws authority according to His will.
He said the teaching reinforced his conviction that political power was a sacred trust that must be exercised with humility accountability and dedication to the welfare of the people.
‘There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority’ the President said.
He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief as an extraordinary divine favour which imposed an obligation on him to serve the country diligently.
‘I have faith in that and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. 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 added.
The President also expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Holy Ka’abah.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the sacred structure where he offered prayers of gratitude for the privilege of serving Nigeria.
Describing the experience as historic and deeply emotional the President said the gesture underscored the enduring friendship and mutual respect 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.
‘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’ he said.
Acknowledging the challenges confronting Nigeria and other nations Tinubu expressed confidence that faith and perseverance would ultimately prevail.
‘We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. 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’ he declared.
The President reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen the nation’s economic foundations expand opportunities for young people and create an environment in which Nigerians could realise their potential.
He also pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him through purposeful leadership and sustained commitment to national development.
Other members of the delegation were equally moved by the spiritual experience.
They included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno Sokoto Jigawa Kaduna Yobe and Kwara states.
Also among them were prominent business leaders including the Chairman of BUA Group Abdul Samad Rabiu and the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Wale Tinubu.
According to the statement the officials and business leaders expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and appreciation to the President for the opportunity to accompany him into the Ka’abah and offer prayers at one of Islam’s holiest sites.