President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his journey to Makkah to perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj.
The President arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday, where Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, welcomed him.
His arrival followed his departure from Abuja earlier in the day, marking the start of his religious visit to the Kingdom.
Tinubu left the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 2:20 p.m., accompanied by senior government officials and state governors who came to bid him farewell.
Before departing, the President inaugurated five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters to enhance the military’s capacity to tackle terrorism and other security challenges.
The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.
He also commissioned the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the pilgrimage on Wednesday, saying it would offer Tinubu an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country.
Before the President’s departure, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, presented him with a bisht, a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.
Among the dignitaries at the airport were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto.
