President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians during his spiritual visit to the Holy Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The President made the disclosure while speaking with journalists on Monday after observing prayers at the Ka’aba, where he also asked Almighty Allah to turn Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity into prosperity for the country.

Tinubu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the spiritual exercise, saying he was thankful for the good health that enabled him to complete the visit.

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

Explaining his prayers for Nigeria, the President noted that the country was made up of people from different religious backgrounds and asked God to make the diversity a source of national progress.

“The prayer is for Allah to convert our diversity. 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,” he said.

On his personal requests, Tinubu said he asked for the wisdom and strength required to continue discharging his responsibilities as President.

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

The President also recalled undertaking a similar spiritual exercise before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for a successful Umrah and promised to return to Mecca to express gratitude if his request was granted.

“Prior to the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then. He did, and I promised that I would come back to thank him, Almighty Allah,” Tinubu said.

He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as an act of divine favour, stressing that political power ultimately belonged to God and should be exercised responsibly.

“There is no other God but him. He is the giver and the taker,” he said.

Tinubu added that those entrusted with authority must use it in accordance with God’s expectations, warning that power could be taken away from anyone who failed to exercise it properly.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development, saying he remained determined to pursue economic prosperity with the support of Nigerians.

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

He urged Nigerians to put God first, listen to their consciences and follow the right path in working towards national development.

Turning to the economy, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria was gradually moving beyond its economic difficulties, insisting that the foundation laid by his administration was strong and that its reforms were producing results.

“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 emphasised the importance of investing in young Nigerians, questioning how future generations would judge current leaders if they failed to prepare the country for their future.

Tinubu also thanked the Saudi Arabian authorities for granting him access to the Ka’aba, describing the experience as historic.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through faith and collective commitment.

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