President Muhammadu Buhari will be proceeding to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser Hajj on Thursday, a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, has said.

Mr Shehu disclosed that the President is embarking on the journey following an invitation by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Kingdom.

According to the statement, the President is expected back in the country on Tuesday, May 21.

“The President would be accompanied by his close personal aides,” the statement noted.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Umrah is an optional but recommended pilgrimage to Makkah that can be made at any time of the year.