Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, are among prominent Nigerian business leaders who have joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the performance of Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage.
The business leaders accompanied the President to the holy city, where he performed the Umrah rites early Friday, October 30, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, as part of his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu and Rabiu were seen alongside the President dressed in the traditional white Ihram garments worn by Muslim pilgrims performing Umrah.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu circumambulated the Holy Ka’abah during the spiritual exercise, expressing gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to pray for Nigeria and its people.
The President’s prayers reportedly centred on national harmony, security, economic prosperity, stability and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Rabiu also expressed 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.
The pilgrimage brought together influential figures from Nigeria’s political and corporate circles in a moment of religious observance, away from their usual official engagements and corporate responsibilities.
Tinubu, whose Oando Group occupies a prominent position in Nigeria’s energy industry, is one of the country’s leading business executives. Rabiu, through BUA Group, has significant interests in manufacturing, cement and food production.
Their presence alongside the President in Makkah highlights the intersection of faith, business and public life, with the prominent business leaders joining the nation’s leader in prayers for the country’s continued peace and progress.
Umrah, often described as the lesser pilgrimage, is a significant act of worship in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and involves a series of religious rites in Makkah.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.
