President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage involving prayers and other religious rites.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

While in Makkah, Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for the country and its people.

Before departing Nigeria, the President will commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The statement added that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specified period in the Islamic calendar.