President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja, following the successful completion of his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Accompanying Mr Tinubu to the airport were the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before Mr Tinubu’s departure, he had a brief meeting with Mr Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Guest Palace at the airport.

While in Saudi Arabia, Mr Tinubu, alongside members of the Nigerian delegation, performed the Umrah rites, including circumambulating the Holy Ka’aba. On Sunday, Mr Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.

Mr Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’aba to offer prayers.

Members of his entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.