President Tinubu Arrives in Jeddah for Umrah and National Prayers

By Lateepha Eniola, Assistant Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday for a religious visit during which he will perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj, in Mecca.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, received him at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

The President, expected back in Nigeria next week, will pray for the country’s peace, unity, stability, and continued development.

Tinubu departed from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a ceremony attended by state governors and senior government officials.

Before leaving, the President commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters to bolster military operations against terrorism and other security threats.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Augusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.

He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the trip on Wednesday, saying it would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria. NigerianNews Updates