President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja following the successful completion of his Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.

The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday and landed in Abuja at 8.53pm same day.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, were among dignitaries who accompanied the President to the airport.

Before his departure, President Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

During his visit, which began last Thursday, the President led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

In a rare privilege granted last Sunday, President Tinubu and members of his delegation were allowed to enter the sacred structure, where they performed two-raka’at prayers.

While inside the Holy Ka’abah, the President offered prayers for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.

He also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.

Members of the President’s entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among others.