Tinubu prays in Makkah for Nigeria's diversity to bring prosperity
- President Bola Tinubu hosted his delegation to dinner in Makkah on Sunday, his spokesperson said.
- He prayed that Nigeria's ethnic and religious differences would produce progress, not division.
- Governors, ministers and business leaders at the dinner pledged their support for the President.
President Bola Tinubu has prayed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigeria's many ethnic groups, faiths and cultures to work in the country's favour rather than against it.
According to a statement from his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said this on Sunday while hosting members of his delegation to dinner in the holy city.
He asked Almighty Allah to bless Nigeria and to turn its differences into prosperity, and he called on citizens to live together peacefully and keep working for the country's progress.
Tinubu also prayed for calm and harmony across the country, and asked that the nation's leaders be given the wisdom and courage to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He said Nigerians at home and abroad should be guided and protected, and that citizens should show more patriotism, kindness and willingness to serve the nation.
The President said the country's people, natural resources and the talents, creativity and enterprise of its diverse population give it a solid base for an inclusive and prosperous future. He urged Nigerians of every faith and background to keep working together.
Support from governors and business leaders
The Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, said the dinner was the third the delegation had held with the President since arriving in Makkah late on Thursday or early Friday.
Rabiu said the gatherings were for prayers for peace, unity and prosperity, and to thank the President for his efforts. "We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can," he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigerian Governors' Forum, prayed that Allah would keep strengthening the President in making the right decisions.
"Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead," he said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, prayed that the President be strengthened in delivering governance and justice to all Nigerians, whatever their religion or ethnic group.
Also at the dinner were Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Mohammed Namadi of Jigawa, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno.
Others included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Oando chief executive Wale Tinubu; the President's Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari; and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
