Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the federal government’s first airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj on Wednesday. He urged the pilgrims to uphold national policies that promote unity, sustainable development, and strategic diplomacy throughout their pilgrimage.
Speaking at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, Shettima emphasized the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims to embody the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and positively represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“Our Nigerian pilgrims, as you prepare to depart for the Holy Land, I urge you to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by exhibiting humility, perseverance, and kindness during this journey,” Shettima stated.
He highlighted that the pilgrimage aligns with the government's policies promoting peaceful coexistence and social harmony among Nigeria’s diverse population.
Shettima also called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors for Nigeria by strictly following all Hajj protocols in Saudi Arabia, in line with Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts.
“I implore you to be good Nigerian ambassadors by observing the rules and regulations of Hajj,” he said.
The Vice President praised government officials and agencies for their commitment to ensuring a smooth Hajj experience, describing their efforts as reflective of “the Nigerian spirit of resilience and hospitality,” which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aims to project globally.
Shettima also encouraged the pilgrims to use this sacred journey to pray for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris, mentioned that Kebbi was the first state to remit its pilgrims' fees for the annual Hajj to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
He added that the state government invested over N953 million in upgrading facilities at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport and the Hajj Camp in Kebbi to facilitate the direct airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Idris explained that last year’s pilgrims from Kebbi were airlifted from Sokoto due to infrastructural challenges, which have now been addressed. The state engaged a professional aviation consultant to upgrade the international airport at a cost of N53 million, and infrastructural improvements were made to the Hajj camp at a cost of N900 million.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the federal government under President Tinubu for ensuring the success of this year’s Hajj. He highlighted the historical significance of the airlift from Kebbi and encouraged the pilgrims to maintain discipline and good conduct in the holy land.
“I want to thank the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all efforts put in place to ensure that this hajj takes place,” the Sultan said. “I know the pilgrims coming out of Kebbi State will be the best and I want other pilgrims from the remaining states to emulate them.”
The Sultan prayed for a successful Hajj operation and sought prayers for the nation’s leaders, as well as for peace and unity in Nigeria.
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, assured the pilgrims of a well-organized and rewarding Hajj experience, noting that all essential services provided are of high standard and managed by a dedicated staff. He also mentioned that NAHCON is implementing strategies to boost its revenue base and achieve self-sustainability without additional costs to the pilgrims.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Senator Ali Ndume, former Governor of Kebbi State Usman Dakingari, members of the National Assembly from Kebbi State, Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly Hon Muhammad Usman Ankwai, and his Sokoto State counterpart Hon Tukur Bala Bodinga, among others.
