Hajj: Let your conduct reflect values we hold dear. Shettima tells pilgrims
Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, has asked prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj to comport themselves in a manner that reflects Nigeria’s beliefs.
On Friday, Shettima gave the charge while inaugurating the Federal Government’s airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj in Owerri, Imo State.
The ceremony at Owerri’s Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport celebrated its first international departure, according to a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
This year’s trip is expected to bring together 64,188 Nigerians.
The Vice President warned the pilgrims not to underestimate the dignity of the Nigerian flag they carry, reminding them that the success of the Hajj operation is entirely dependent on their efforts.
He stated, “And to our beloved intended pilgrims, know that you are more than spiritual travellers; you are Nigerian ambassadors. You bring with you not just your faith but also the pride and dignity of our country.
“Your conduct, devotion, and togetherness must reflect the principles we cherish. This responsibility is not light. It’s noble. Distinguished visitors, the success of this Hajj operation lies on all of our shoulders.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, attended the initial airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday. Credit: Stanley Nkwocha/X.
“If any of us falters, whether a logistical officer who overlooks a detail or a pilgrim who loses sight of the dignity of the flag he carries, the consequences could turn what should be a joyful experience into yet another avoidable disaster.” We cannot let that happen.”
Senator Shettima praised state Governor Hope Uzodimma for holding the inaugural flight celebration in his state, which promoted togetherness, religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.
He said, “Let me also take a moment to commend His Excellency, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for establishing this climate of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusion. His support is both encouraging and emblematic of a nation coming to terms with itself.”
He also expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s warm wishes to the pilgrims.
“The President, with his remarkable foresight, has once again made available all of the resources required to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj. This commitment represents our administration’s promise to the people to protect, support, and elevate every Nigerian in all aspects of life,” he added.
The VP charged logistics officers to treat their duties as assignments entrusted to them by God, as “there is no room for negligence where lives, hopes, and sacred obligations converge” and urged them to “ensure that every pilgrim departs and returns with a heart full of gratitude and a voice free of complaints.”
Earlier, Governor Uzodimma called the drill a watershed moment in the state’s aviation history.
He stated, “For us in Imo State, it is a source of pride. The airport, established more than 40 years ago through community efforts, symbolises both our history and our progress. The actions we took to reposition the airport for international operations have brought joy to the people of Imo State and the surrounding states.”
While praising President Tinubu for all of the permits that enabled the initial airlift, he announced intentions to fly Christian pilgrims from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri in June.
Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), praised Imo State’s governor for encouraging religious tolerance and peace.
“And I believe this is an important message to all and sundry: if we want our country to move forward, we have to respect one another, we have to respect various religious beliefs, and we have to tell ourselves religion is an individual, personal matter between one and their Creator, the Almighty,” he told reporters.
Furthermore, Prof. Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), revealed that 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States were scheduled to depart on Friday aboard an Air Peace flight for the 2025 Hajj from Imo State Airport.