President Bola Tinubu’s journey to Saudi Arabia to carry out the lesser Hajj has attracted political reactions, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar demanding each day proof of the President’s actions within the Holy Land, whereas Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde questioned the necessity for the journey, arguing that prayers is also answered in Nigeria.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to carry out Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage often known as the Lesser Hajj.
The journey, introduced by the Presidency a day earlier than his departure, has raised questions concerning the President’s itinerary and drawn criticism over the timing of the go to amid the nation’s financial challenges.
Here are the necessary particulars Nigerians ought to learn about Tinubu’s Saudi journey.
Why Did Tinubu Travel To Saudi Arabia?
President Bola Tinubu travelled to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to carry out Umrah, an Islamic spiritual train involving a pilgrimage to the holy metropolis.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 28, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the assertion, the go to would offer Tinubu with a chance for religious reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
When Did Tinubu Leave Nigeria And Arrive In Saudi Arabia?
Tinubu departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at roughly 2:20 pm on Thursday, October 29.
He arrived on the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the place he was obtained by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
On Friday, October 30, Saudi Arabia’s official information company, Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reported that the Nigerian President had carried out the Umrah rites on the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Who Saw Tinubu Off At Abuja Airport?
President Tinubu was seen off on the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by six state governors and a number of other senior authorities officers earlier than departing for Saudi Arabia.
They included Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Other dignitaries current have been Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri.
What Is Umrah And How Is It Different From Hajj?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, sometimes called the Lesser Hajj.
Unlike the foremost Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place throughout particular days within the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah will be carried out at completely different instances of the yr.
Why Has Tinubu’s Saudi Trip Generated Controversy?
Despite the Presidency’s clarification that the journey is for spiritual functions, the go to has attracted criticism and questions from opposition figures and political leaders, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar calling on the Presidency to supply each day, date-stamped pictures and movies displaying Tinubu collaborating within the Umrah rites in Makkah.
In a press release, Atiku alleged that the President would possibly make solely a quick look in Makkah earlier than continuing to France. However, the Presidency dismissed claims that the journey was for medical therapy, sustaining that Tinubu was travelling to carry out Umrah and pray for Nigeria.
What Happened Before Tinubu’s Departure?
Shortly earlier than leaving Nigeria, Tinubu commissioned 5 newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters on the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He additionally inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar on the airport.
When Will Tinubu Return To Nigeria?
The Presidency introduced that Tinubu would return to Nigeria the next week after finishing his Umrah pilgrimage. However, the October 28 assertion by Onanuga didn’t specify a precise return date.
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