In Makkah, Tinubu prays Nigeria's diversity brings prosperity, not division
- President Bola Tinubu hosted his delegation to dinner in Makkah on Sunday and asked Nigerians to live together in peace.
- He prayed that the country's many ethnic and religious groups would become a source of wealth and unity.
- Governors and ministers at the dinner said they would keep praying for the President and the country.
President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to treat the country's many ethnic groups, faiths and cultures as a reason to stay together rather than a source of quarrel.
He spoke on Sunday at a dinner he hosted for members of his delegation in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, according to reports of the event.
In his prayer, the President asked God to make Nigeria's diversity work in the country's favour. "May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country," he said.
Tinubu also prayed for wisdom for those in leadership and for the safety of Nigerians living at home and abroad. He said Nigerians should show more brotherhood, love of country and kindness to one another, and he expressed confidence that the country can overcome its problems if people work together.
The President said Nigeria's large population, its natural resources and the energy of its people give the country a solid base to grow in a way that benefits everyone.
Governors and ministers add their prayers
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), praised Tinubu's work on national development. He said the governors will keep praying for the President and for Nigeria.
"Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead," AbdulRazaq said. He also prayed that God would strengthen the President's judgement and courage.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, said the dinner was a chance to pray for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria. He promised continued support for the administration, saying Tinubu is passionate about the country's progress. "We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can," Rabiu said.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) prayed that God would give the President strength and guide him to deliver justice and good governance to all Nigerians.
Those at the dinner included Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Mohammed Namadi of Jigawa, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Babagana Zulum of Borno. Also there were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, Oando chief executive Wale Tinubu, presidential political adviser Ibrahim Masari and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
The prayers come as Nigerians continue to face high food prices and a tough economy. For many families, the hope is that the unity the President spoke about will show up in cheaper food, safer streets and more jobs.
