President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria will overcome its myriad challenges, terrorism, insecurity, rising poverty and hunger, amongst others, by faith in God.

Mr Tinubu remarked in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, shortly after he led Nigeria’s delegation to pray inside the Ka’abah.

“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country,” Mr Tinubu said. “We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty.”

Mr Tinubu also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah in Mecca.

“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in green-white-green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince. It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history,” Mr Tinubu said.

Mr Tinubu restated that his commitment to Project Nigeria had become even stronger, assuring Nigerians of his resolve to pursue policies and programmes that would promote prosperity, national development 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,” he said. “It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness.”