Barriers painted in Nigeria’s national colours were temporarily placed around the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
The barriers featured Nigeria’s familiar green-white-green colours. They were mounted ahead of the President’s scheduled entry into Islam’s holiest site on Monday.
Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah. During the visit, he received permission to enter the Ka’abah and offer prayers.
Saudi Authorities Prepare for Tinubu’s Visit
Inside The Haramain, a news outlet covering Islam’s Two Holy Mosques, shared photographs of the barriers on X.
The outlet described the arrangement as temporary. It also announced that the Nigerian President would enter the Ka’abah later that night.
The gesture attracted attention because of the use of Nigeria’s national colours around the sacred structure.
Tinubu later confirmed the significance of the arrangement. He said the colours reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
Tinubu Thanks Saudi King, Crown Prince
The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s leadership for granting him and his delegation access.
He specifically thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Tinubu also acknowledged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The President described the experience as historic and deeply meaningful.
“It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history,” he said.
According to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development.
He said his determination to build a prosperous country had become stronger. The President also spoke about seeking wisdom and resilience to serve Nigerians.
Tinubu Says He Prayed for Wisdom
Tinubu disclosed that he asked Allah for wisdom and resilience. He said his prayers focused on continuing to serve the Nigerian people.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
He also recalled performing Umrah before the 2023 presidential election. At the time, he prayed for Allah’s blessings and promised to return in gratitude.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing. He also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with public office.
Nigerian Officials Join President in Makkah
Several Nigerian officials and business leaders accompanied Tinubu during the visit.
They included Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
The delegation also featured Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate.
Governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara States were also present.
Business leaders included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Plc Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
The delegation joined the President during the visit to the sacred site.
