Oando Chief, ‘Wale Tinubu, Rabiu, Others Join President Tinubu In Makkah For Umrah

MICHAEL AKINOLA

The Oando Plc Group Chief Executive, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu among others Nigerian prominent leaders have joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to perform Umrah early Friday morning in the holy city of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

They joined the Nigerian leader to offer prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah and seeking His continued guidance and protection for Nigeria.

During the spiritual exercise, President Tinubu circled the Holy Ka’abah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in worship, devotion, and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah for His blessings on Nigeria and her people.

Tinubu and Rabiu were seen alongside the President dressed in the traditional white Imrah garments worn by Muslim pilgrims performing Umrah.

Their presence alongside the President in the holy city has drawn attention, bringing together three influential figures from Nigeria’s political and business communities in a moment of religious observance.

For the Nigerian business community, the appearance of these corporate leaders alongside the President also offers a glimpse into the intersection of faith, business and public life, particularly when influential figures come together outside the usual settings of boardrooms, corporate engagements and official functions.

The development comes as President Tinubu undertook the pilgrimage to seek divine guidance and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

Umrah, unlike the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year. It involves a series of religious rites in Makkah and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims across the world.

A statement from the Presidency noted that the President performed the Umrah rites early Friday, October 30, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, where he circumambulated the Holy Ka’abah.

President Tinubu’s prayers reportedly centre on national harmony, security, economic prosperity and the need for Nigerians to live together peacefully.

Speaking after completing the spiritual exercise, President Tinubu described the pilgrimage as significant, linking it to his commitment to Nigeria and its people.

He also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to pray for the country.

On his part, Wale Tinubu, whose Oando Group occupies a prominent position in Nigeria’s energy industry, the spiritual journey offered a departure from the familiar world of corporate leadership and business engagements.

Industrialist Rabiu, a major player in the country’s industrial sector, with interests spanning manufacturing, cement and food production, similarly also used the occasion to express his hopes for the country, describing it as an honour to accompany the President on the spiritual journey.

He prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.