‘I Prayed For Wisdom, Resilience To Lead Nigeria, And Allah Has Answered’– Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians during his recent visit to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.

The President stated this while speaking with journalists after observing prayers at the Holy Mosque in Kaaba, where he said he felt fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah for the opportunity and good health.

Tinubu said his prayer was for God to transform Nigeria’s diversity into prosperity, noting that the country was made up of people of different faiths and backgrounds.

“I feel fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity and the health. The day went very well,” he said.

He added, “The prayer is for Allah to convert all our diversity into prosperity for the country. Nigeria is full of diversity. It is made up of all the faiths. May Allah convert all the diversity to prosperity for the country. That is my prayer.”

Speaking on his personal requests during the visit, Tinubu said he sought divine wisdom and resilience to continue leading the country.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that has been granted,” he said.

The President recalled that he had also undertaken a similar spiritual exercise ahead of the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for a successful Umrah and promised to return to express gratitude to Allah.

He described his emergence as President of Nigeria as a divine favour, saying he remained conscious that power belonged to God and should be exercised responsibly.

“There is no other God but Him. He is the giver and the taker. He owns the power. He said, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person,” Tinubu said.

On his commitment to national development, the President said he remained determined to pursue policies that would bring prosperity to the country, with the support of Nigerians.

“My commitment is higher, and I am committed to bringing prosperity. To develop the country consistently with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.

He also urged Nigerians to put God first, follow their consciences and remain committed to the right path towards national greatness.

On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism that his administration’s reforms were yielding positive results, insisting that the country had moved beyond its difficult economic period.

“The foundation is solid. The economy has come out of the dark tunnel. It is inspiring. We need to build the future for our youths,” he said.

He stressed the need for sustained investment in the future of young Nigerians, asking how present-day leaders would be remembered if they failed to make adequate provisions for the next generation.

The President also expressed appreciation to the management of the Kaaba and the Saudi authorities for granting him access to the sacred site, describing the experience as historic.

He thanked the Saudi King and Crown Prince for the hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic and other challenges confronting Nigerians but expressed confidence that the country would overcome them through faith and collective commitment.

“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome it with faith in the Almighty,” he said.

He further assured Nigerians that the current economic difficulties would be overcome, reiterating his administration’s determination to steer the country towards prosperity.