The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, has called on stakeholders in the Hajj industry to promote excellence and national values as Nigerian pilgrims embarked on holy Journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The vice president made the call on Friday at the flag -off of the 2025 Hajj inaugural flight ceremony held in Oweri.
Speaking at the event organized by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON ) , the Vice President, lauded Senator Hope Uzodimma for hosting the historic event.
He explained that Hajj is not just a spiritual journey but a national assignment that unites faith, duty, and dignity.
Addressing officials and service providers on the occasion, the Vice President emphasized the importance of diligence and accountability as a trust from God, warning that there should be no room for negligence.
He reminded intending pilgrims of the honour they carry as representatives of Nigeria, urging them to uphold values of good conduct, unity, and national pride.
The Vice President hinted that the President Bola Tinubu has made available all necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s leadership and support. He announced that 64,188 is the total number of pilgrims registered for the 2025 Hajj.
“315 will embark on the inaugural flight, first of its kind in this region, a remarkable milestone in the history of Hajj operations in Nigeria.
He applauded the federal government’s intervention in resolving issues related to Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) via credit card and praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for fostering religious harmony by hosting the inaugural flight for the 2025 Hajj.
Tracing the history of the Same Mbakwe International Cargo Airport , His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma revealed that the airport was built from communal and individual contributions, describing the action as first of its kind.
The governor admonished pilgrims accordingly and prayed for their safe return.
His Eminence , the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar said that holding inaugural Hajj flight in Owerri was a testament that there are people who still believe in the unity of Nigeria.
He commended the Governor for embracing religious harmony by hosting the inaugural Hajj Airlift.
The ceremony marks the beginning of the 2025 Hajj airlift operation, which NAHCON aims to complete within two weeks.
