Author: Gist Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in his continued leadership of Nigeria, saying Almighty Allah has granted his prayer for wisdom and resilience to continue serving the country.

The President made the declaration on Monday while reflecting on his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah and was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka'abah in Makkah to offer prayers.

Tinubu thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for extending the privilege to him and members of the Nigerian delegation.

Describing the experience as historic and deeply significant, the President said it reflected the longstanding relationship, mutual respect and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He also expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the hospitality and recognition accorded him as leader of the Nigerian delegation.

Tinubu said he prayed inside the Holy Ka'abah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing conviction that his request had been granted.

“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did,” he said.

The President recalled that he had promised to return to express gratitude to Almighty Allah following his previous spiritual journey, adding that the recent experience was an opportunity to fulfil that commitment.

Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur'an, Tinubu emphasised that all sovereignty and authority belong to Almighty Allah, who gives power to whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills.

He said political authority should be regarded as a divine trust that must be exercised with humility, responsibility and commitment to the welfare of the people.

According to him, no position of authority is permanent, as ultimate power rests with Almighty Allah.

The President described his emergence as Nigeria's leader as an extraordinary blessing, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country among millions of people.

He said the spiritual experience had further strengthened his commitment to national development and his determination to pursue policies that would promote prosperity and shared progress.

“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,” Tinubu said.

On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the progress recorded under his administration, describing the country's economic foundation as solid and its emergence from a difficult period as encouraging.

“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he stated.

Tinubu also stressed the need for sustained investment in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations would remember them.

He said building a prosperous future for Nigerian youths must remain a major priority of governance, urging leaders to follow their conscience and pursue the right path towards national greatness.