President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday departed Abuja for Mecca, Saudi Arabia for a six-day visit expected to end on November 3.
Earlier, some media reports indicated that the president was travelling for medical attention in in the Middle East nation.
However, in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s journey to Saudi Arabia is strictly for religious purposes.
According to the statement, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the Holy City.
“The visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
“Before leaving Abuja, President Tinubu will commission at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport some equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations.
Information circulating about the trip indicates that the president’s entourage include five state governors, two ministers, the Chief of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and several prominent businessmen.