President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his determination to build a prosperous Nigeria remains unwavering, pledging to strengthen the economy, invest in young people and pursue national development in line with the aspirations of Nigerians.
The President made the commitment on Monday while reflecting on his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the lesser Hajj, during which he was granted the rare opportunity to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
Tinubu described the experience as a deeply meaningful moment in his life, saying it had reinforced his appreciation of the responsibility associated with leading Nigeria and strengthened his resolve to serve the country with wisdom, resilience and dedication.
He also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to occupy the nation’s highest political office, describing his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as a privilege that came with significant obligations to the people.
The opportunity to enter the sacred structure was extended to the Nigerian leader and members of his delegation by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the Ka’abah, where the President offered prayers of thanksgiving and sought divine guidance for the continued discharge of his responsibilities.
Following the experience, Tinubu thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special recognition and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
He said the gesture further demonstrated the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, describing the experience as a historic honour he would always remember.
Tinubu also expressed delight at the green, white and green colours surrounding the Ka’abah, noting that they reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“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.
The President acknowledged the Saudi authorities for allowing him to participate in the sacred experience, adding that faith in Allah remained an important source of strength in confronting difficulties.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu reflects on earlier Umrah
The President disclosed that his latest visit to the holy site was also an opportunity to fulfil a personal promise made during an earlier Umrah before the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, he had prayed for a successful pilgrimage at the time and pledged to return to express gratitude if his prayers were answered.
Tinubu said the latest experience allowed him to honour that commitment while asking Allah for the wisdom and resilience needed to continue governing Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
The President explained that his faith had strengthened his conviction that political leadership should be approached with humility, particularly because authority ultimately rests with Almighty Allah.
Referencing Verse 26 of Surah Aal-Imran in the Holy Qur’an, Tinubu said the scripture emphasised that Allah grants power and can also withdraw it.
He argued that the lesson should encourage those in positions of authority to govern responsibly and recognise that leadership comes with an obligation to serve the interests 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 added that those entrusted with power must use it appropriately, noting that political positions should not be regarded as permanent possessions.
President expresses confidence in economic direction
Turning to Nigeria’s development, Tinubu said his commitment to the country’s progress had become stronger, insisting that his administration remained determined to lay the foundation for lasting prosperity.
He maintained that national transformation would require purposeful leadership, public cooperation and decisions guided by conscience and a clear sense of responsibility.
“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.
The President urged Nigerians to remain focused on the country’s long-term aspirations, stressing the importance of pursuing a path that would lead to sustainable development.
“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 added.
Tinubu also expressed optimism about the direction of the economy under his administration, describing the foundation being established as encouraging.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
His assessment reflects the administration’s confidence in its economic policies and its expectation that ongoing reforms will contribute to improved national development.
However, the practical impact of economic policies on household incomes, employment and the cost of living remains an important consideration for Nigerians as the government pursues its development objectives.
Youth investment remains a priority
The President identified the future of young Nigerians as another major consideration in the country’s development, warning that today’s leaders must take responsibility for creating opportunities for coming generations.
He said investment in young people was essential to building a nation capable of sustaining economic growth and providing its citizens with opportunities to realise their potential.
According to Tinubu, the decisions made by political leaders today would influence how their contributions to national development were assessed decades from now.
“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.
He reiterated his administration’s intention to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people and create conditions that would enable more Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Tinubu concluded by expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead the country, pledging to justify the confidence placed in him through responsible leadership and sustained efforts to advance Nigeria’s interests.
His remarks placed faith, accountability, economic development and youth empowerment at the centre of his renewed pledge to Project Nigeria.
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