Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday flagged off the inaugural airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj, charging them to embody the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and promote national unity during the sacred exercise.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima emphasized the importance of upholding national policies that foster peaceful coexistence, sustainable development, and strategic diplomacy.
The Vice President commended government officials and agencies for their dedication to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise, symbolizing the Nigerian spirit of resilience and hospitality.
He also called on the pilgrims to use the sacred journey as a platform to “pray for peace, unity and sustainable development” in Nigeria.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris, disclosed that the state spent over N953 million on facility upgrades to enable direct airlift from Kebbi to Saudi Arabia.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the federal government’s efforts and urged pilgrims to conduct themselves in a good manner. Chairman of NAHCON, Jalal Arabi, assured pilgrims of a rewarding Hajj experience with high-standard services and strategies to boost revenue without extra cost.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu; and members of the National Assembly from Kebbi State.
