President Muhammadu Buhari, during the week, embarked on an official and spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia to thank Almighty Allah as he prepares to hand over the mantle of leadership to President-elect Bola Tinubu on May 29.

The president departed Nigeria on Tuesday for Saudi Arabia on an official visit from April 11 to 19.

According to an earlier statement by his media aide Garba Shehu, the president’s journey would be his last trip to Saudi Arabia as president.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami and Mr Shehu, who spoke to journalists on the significance of the president’s trip, said Mr Buhari was in Mecca to thank Allah for the “successful” eight years in service of his country.

The president, accompanied by his aides, first visited Madinah, where he toured some historic religious places, including the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilisation in the city, as part of his engagement.

While at the Museum, Mr Buhari maintained that ”the spread of true knowledge of the religion of Islam is the most important task now facing global Muslims.”

He commended the Saudi government for deploying the latest technological tools in presenting the core of Islam, its lofty purposes, and qualitative teachings.

According to the president, the Muslim community needs a futuristic system, bringing knowledge and education into a new system that will make for a good understanding of the very features of the religion.

Mr Buhari observed the five daily and Taraweeh prayers at the Masjid Nabawi before departing for Mecca via Jeddah late on Wednesday for the lesser pilgrimage.

The president, alongside his aides, some traditional rulers and religious leaders, performed Umrah rituals, amid tight security, upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The president, on April 11, saluted leading businessman and philanthropist Aliko Dangote as he marked his 66th birthday, wishing him a long, healthy life and a joyful year ahead.

“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the illustrious businessman Aliko Dangote on his birthday. He has given new heights to Nigeria’s prestige and global reputation,” stated Mr Buhari. ”May the Almighty give him the strength and wisdom to do even more for the nation.”

Mr Buhari, on Friday in Saudi Arabia, visited the elder statesman and patriarch of the Dantata family, Aminu Dantata, in his hotel to condole him over the demise of his wife, Rabi Dantata.

The Kano-based businessman had on April 9 lost his wife at a medical centre in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Buhari had earlier, in a statement by Mr Shehu, expressed sadness over the demise of Ms Dantata.

However, the Nigerian leader used the opportunity of the visit to once again commiserate with the Dantata family over the demise of Ms Dantata.

The president said the deceased would be remembered for her compassion and philanthropy. 

(NAN)