PHOTOS: Green-white-green barriers surround Ka’bah ahead of Tinubu’s visit

Barriers emblazoned with Nigeria’s green-white-green colors were erected around the Ka’bah in Makkah to welcome President Bola Tinubu during his visit on Monday. The Nigerian leader had journeyed to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah, a less intense Islamic pilgrimage where he was granted the exceptional honor of entering the Holy Ka’bah to pray.

Umrah entails visiting the Grand Mosque housing the Ka’bah and performing specific acts of worship, though it does not substitute for the Hajj. Photos from Inside The Haramain showed the temporary barriers surrounding the Ka’bah, with the caption "Barriers placed around the Ka’bah temporarily. 'The President of Nigeria will enter the Ka’bah later tonight.'"

President Tinubu assured continued dedication to Nigeria’s progress, crediting his divine inspiration for his resolute determination. He expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for permitting the delegation to visit the sacred site, praising the friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The President deemed the fencing of the Ka’bah adorned in the Nigerian colors a symbol of national identity and a deeply cherished historical moment.