Tinubu Hosts Ribadu, Gbajabiamila, Five Governors to Dinner in Makkah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hosted the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, five state governors and other prominent Nigerian officials to dinner in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The gathering took place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the President’s stay in Saudi Arabia for the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah.
According to a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu used the occasion to pray for Nigeria’s unity, peace and prosperity, expressing hope that the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would become a source of national development rather than division.
Five Governors Attend Dinner
The governors identified among the attendees were:
- Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State
- Uba Sani of Kaduna State
- Mohammed Namadi of Jigawa State
- Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State
- Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was also present at the gathering.
Other government officials included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, and Oando Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu, were also among those present.
Speaking during the dinner, Tinubu prayed for divine blessings and guidance for Nigeria, particularly in addressing the challenges confronting the country.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” the President said.
He expressed hope that Nigerians would continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to national progress.
Tinubu also prayed for wisdom, courage and foresight for the country’s leaders, asking for divine protection for Nigerians at home and abroad.
Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, who attended the dinner, said the gathering provided another opportunity for participants to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.
Rabiu disclosed that it was the third dinner hosted by the President since the delegation arrived in Makkah.
He also reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, saying he and other business leaders would continue to support the President in whatever capacity they could.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq equally praised Tinubu’s commitment to building a united and prosperous country, praying for continued divine guidance for the President.
Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a religious pilgrimage that can be undertaken at different times of the year.
The Presidency had earlier explained that the visit was intended to provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The President had also performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah.
The dinner brought together senior government officials, state governors and business leaders, with discussions and prayers centred on Nigeria’s future.
