President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to harness the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as a source of national unity, prosperity and sustainable development.
The President made the call on Sunday during a dinner with members of his delegation in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he prayed for peace, harmony and progress in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength and national advancement rather than division.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” the President said.
He also prayed for divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, asking Allah to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among citizens and inspire a renewed spirit of patriotism, compassion and service to the nation.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, alongside the talents, creativity and enterprise of its diverse population, provided a strong foundation for building a prosperous and inclusive nation.
He urged Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to embrace mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and a shared commitment to national development.
The President also prayed that Allah would grant the country’s leaders the wisdom, courage and foresight to steer Nigeria towards greater development and improved living conditions for its citizens.
Speaking at the dinner, Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, said the gathering provided an opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.
“Today is actually the third dinner we’re having with His Excellency Mr President since we came to Makkah on Thursday night or Friday morning when Mr President arrived,” Rabiu said.
He explained that discussions during the gathering centred on the need to continually pray for Nigeria and appreciate the President’s efforts towards national development.
“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 added.
Similarly, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, prayed for divine guidance and strength for the President.
“Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead. May Allah continue to strengthen you in making the right decisions, strengthen your wisdom, your boldness, your audacity, your courage. May Allah lead you to the right path,” AbdulRazaq said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also prayed for Allah to strengthen the President in his determination to deliver governance and justice to Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Other dignitaries at the dinner included Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Namadi; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu; and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
Also present were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; 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.