KEY POINTS
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Tinubu arrives in Jeddah for Umrah pilgrimage.
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President to pray for Nigeria’s peace and stability.
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He is expected to return to Nigeria next week
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.
The President landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday night, October 29, after departing Abuja earlier in the afternoon.
He was received at the airport by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the kingdom’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
Tinubu is visiting Saudi Arabia to observe the religious rites associated with Umrah, a pilgrimage that involves prayers, devotion and spiritual reflection.
His media aide, Bayo Onanuga, had announced the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday, explaining that the President would use the visit to seek divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
According to the statement, the pilgrimage would also provide an opportunity to pray for the country’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
Tinubu expected back next week
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at different times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.
The Presidency has not announced any additional official engagements for Tinubu during the visit.