The Vice President, Kashim Shettima has flagged off the federal government’s inaugural airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2024 annual Hajj.
He charged them to maintain national policies aimed at promoting unity, sustainable development, and strategic diplomacy throughout the sacred exercise.
“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,” he charged.
He noted that the pilgrimage’s essence aligns with government policies geared towards fostering peaceful coexistence and social harmony among Nigeria’s diverse populace.
“I implore you to be good Nigerian ambassadors by observing the rules and regulations of Hajj,” he said.
Shettima commended government officials and agencies, saying their dedication to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise symbolized “the Nigerian spirit of resilience and hospitality,” which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration aimed to showcase globally.
He also called on the pilgrims to use the sacred journey as a platform to “pray for peace, unity and sustainable development” in Nigeria.
Earlier, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris, said the state was the first among equals to remit its pilgrims’ fare for the annual exercise to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
“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. When all hopes were lost, light showed at the end of the tunnel and today we are having this inaugural flight,” said the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III.
“You all know the importance of going to the holy land for hajj and I know how disciplined Nigerian pilgrims have always been. 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,” he added.
The royal father prayed for a successful hajj operation, just as he solicited prayers for leaders at all levels as well as peace and unity in the country.