Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday admonished pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj to preserve the pride and dignity of the country during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shettima gave the admonition at the inauguration of the first batch of pilgrims at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
“Our dear intending pilgrims, know that you are more than spiritual travellers. You are ambassadors of Nigeria.
“You carry with you not only your faith, but also the pride and dignity of this nation.
“Your conduct, your devotion and your unity must reflect the values we hold dear.
This responsibility is not light. It is noble,” he said.
Shettima assured the pilgrims that President Bola Tinubu had made available, all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the exercise.
He said the president’s commitment reflects his administration’s covenant with the people to protect, support and elevate every Nigerian in every sphere of life.
He, therefore, urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and all stakeholders in Hajj operations to work together to deliver the burden of expectations.
“The success of this Hajj rests on all our shoulders. If any of us falters, whether a logistical officer who overlooks a detail or a pilgrim who forgets the dignity of the flag he carries, the consequences could turn what should be a joyful experience into yet another avoidable catastrophe.
”We must not let that happen,” he said.
Shettima commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion.
According to him, Uzodinma’s support is both heartening and symbolic of a nation coming into harmony with itself.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIAl, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, also commended Uzodinma for promoting religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence in the state.
”This event is a big statement that in this blessed country called Nigeria, we still have people like the governor of Imo State who stood up so tall to ensure that this programme holds here.
“It is a testament to anybody who wants to see what Nigeria is all about.
“In this place, there are Christians and even non-believers who don’t even believe in Allah, all seated to be part of this national programme.
“It is not just a programme for Muslims. I believe this is an important message to all and sundry that if we want our country to move forward, we have to respect one another,” he said.
The Sultan reiterated the importance of religious tolerance and harmony in moving the nation forward.
