President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national development, pledging to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, expand opportunities for young people and pursue policies aimed at building a prosperous nation.
Tinubu made the commitment on Monday while reflecting on his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, and was granted access to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation the opportunity to enter the sacred site and offer prayers.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual privilege.
The President said he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
Reflecting on the Qur’anic message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, Tinubu said political authority was a trust that must be exercised responsibly and with humility, noting that power ultimately belongs to Almighty Allah.
He said his emergence as Nigeria’s President was a special privilege that should be matched with dedicated service to the country.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Tinubu declared: “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.”
On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, describing its foundation as solid and saying Nigeria had emerged from a difficult period.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
Tinubu also stressed the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations judge their stewardship.
“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.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would remain focused on strengthening the economy, creating opportunities for young people and providing an environment in which citizens could realise their potential.
Members of the Nigerian delegation who accompanied the President also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah.
Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders, including Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also part of the delegation.
The President reiterated his appreciation to the Saudi leadership, saying he remained determined to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in him through purposeful leadership and sustained commitment to national progress.