In a remarkable gesture of high-level diplomatic respect and religious honour, the Saudi Arabian authorities opened the sacred doors of the Holy Kaaba for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his son, Yinka, state governors, and prominent business leaders during their ongoing lesser Hajj (Umrah) in the holy city of Makkah, a gesture described as an exceptional privilege.
The extraordinary access to Islam’s holiest sanctuary by the Saudi authorities offered President Tinubu and the dignitaries an opportunity to enter the sacred structure and offer prayers and supplications to Almighty Allah for the country and themselves.
The opening of the Kaaba’s interior outside the traditional ceremonial schedule by saudi on Sunday night is reserved exclusively as a high-level honour by the Saudi monarchy for visiting heads of state and selected global dignitaries.
Unlike his predecessors, Tinubu, who was accompanied on the visit by state governors and business moguls, was said to be one of Nigeria’s most reserved leaders who have been granted access by the Saudi authorities.
The Kaaba, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is the focal point of Muslim prayers worldwide and a central site of the annual Hajj and lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah; access to its interior is highly restricted, making such visits exceptional.
The Guild learnt that those who accompanied the President on the visit includes the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Namadi; Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Presidential Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu and his BUA counterpart, Abdulsamad Rabiu.
As gathered during the visit, the President was said to have described the experience as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Presidential sources disclosed that prayers were also offered for the 2027 general elections to be peaceful, free, fair and credible, without bloodshed.
Tinubu was said to have expressed satisfaction that a long-standing personal aspiration had been fulfilled through his entry into the sacred structure.
Also, BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, who said the privilege came after five decades of visiting Saudi Arabia for worship without gaining entry into the Kaaba.
Rabiu, visibly grateful for the opportunity, reportedly thanked Tinubu for making the experience possible, describing it as a moment for which he had waited for more than 50 years.
The development came after the President hosted members of his delegation to dinner in Makkah on Sunday, where he prayed for Nigeria’s unity, peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to transform the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity into a source of national strength rather than division, expressing hope that the nation would overcome its challenges through unity, mutual understanding and collective commitment to progress.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” the President said.
He also prayed for divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, asking Allah to grant the country’s leaders the wisdom, courage and foresight to improve the living conditions of citizens.
At the dinner, Rabiu reaffirmed his support for the President, saying the pilgrimage had provided the delegation with an opportunity to pray not only for themselves and their families but also for Nigeria.
“Today is actually the third dinner we’re having with His Excellency, Mr President, since we came to Makkah,” Rabiu said.
He added that discussions during the gathering centred on prayers for peace, national unity and prosperity, while commending Tinubu’s commitment to the country.
“We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can and definitely, as you all know, Mr President is very passionate about the country. He’s working very hard, and we’ll continue to support him,” he said.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, also praised Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and development, praying for divine guidance and strength for the President.
“Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead,” AbdulRazaq said.
He asked Allah to strengthen the President’s wisdom, courage and capacity to make decisions that would advance the country.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Fagbemi, also offered prayers for the President, asking Allah to strengthen his resolve to deliver justice and effective governance to Nigerians irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
