President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding, expressing confidence that the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity can become a major driver of national prosperity and development.
The President made the appeal on Sunday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during a dinner he hosted for members of his delegation, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and sustainable development.
PBAT prayed that Almighty Allah would transform the country’s diversity into prosperity, strengthen the bonds among citizens and grant leaders the wisdom and courage to steer the nation towards greater development.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” the President said.
He noted that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, combined with the talents, creativity and enterprise of its diverse population, provide a strong foundation for building an inclusive and prosperous nation.
The President also prayed for divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens of all faiths and backgrounds to work together in the national interest.
He expressed the hope that the country’s differences would remain a source of strength rather than division, while calling for renewed patriotism, compassion and collective commitment to national progress.
Speaking at the dinner, Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, commended the President’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the visit to the holy land had provided an opportunity for leaders and other members of the delegation to pray for the country.
Rabiu disclosed that it was the third dinner with the President since his arrival in Makkah, noting that their discussions had centred on prayers for national peace, unity and prosperity.
“We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can and definitely, as you all know, Mr President is very passionate about the country. He’s working very hard, and we’ll continue to support him,” he said.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, also praised Tinubu’s commitment to national development, expressing confidence in his leadership and praying for divine strength and wisdom for the President.
“Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead,” AbdulRazaq said.
He further prayed that Almighty Allah would strengthen the President’s wisdom, boldness, courage and ability to make the right decisions for the country.
Similarly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, prayed for continued divine guidance and strength for the President in his determination to deliver good governance and justice to Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The dinner was attended by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Namadi; Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Others included Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other members of the presidential delegation.