President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to purposeful leadership and national development, pledging to justify the confidence Nigerians have reposed in him through sustained efforts to build a prosperous nation.
The President also reiterated his determination to strengthen the country’s economic foundations, invest in the future of young Nigerians, and pursue policies that promote national development and shared prosperity.
Tinubu made the commitment while reflecting on his spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, during which he and members of his Nigerian delegation were granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers.
Members of the delegation included the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and the Governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe, and Kwara States.
The statement, issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting the delegation the opportunity.
Tinubu described the experience as historic and deeply cherished, saying it reflected the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He also thanked the Saudi authorities for the hospitality and recognition accorded him and members of the delegation.
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the experience, the President disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
Tinubu recalled making a similar prayer before the 2023 presidential election, stressing that he had promised to return to offer gratitude to Almighty Allah.
Referencing inspiration from Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, the President emphasised that power and authority ultimately belong to Almighty Allah, adding that positions of leadership must be exercised with humility, responsibility, and a commitment to serving the people.
He noted that political authority was neither permanent nor absolute, stressing the need for leaders to use the opportunity entrusted to them for the benefit of the country.
He reaffirmed his commitment to national development, declaring: “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.”
The President expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, describing the foundation of the economy as solid and the progress made in moving away from a difficult period as encouraging.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
He, however, maintained that building a prosperous nation required sustained investment in young Nigerians, noting that the decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations remember them.
“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?” he asked.
Tinubu pledged that his administration would remain focused on strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities for young people, and creating an environment where Nigerians could realise their potential.
He reiterated his gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of serving Nigeria, pledging to continue pursuing purposeful leadership and policies that would advance national progress.
