Nigerian pilgrims from Plateau and Imo states who are currently performing the 2025 hajj have commended their governors, Caleb Mutfwang and Senator Hope Uzodinma, for supporting them despite religious differences.

The pilgrims gave the commendation while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 hajj in Makkah on Saturday.

Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Daiyabu Daudu, said that Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a non-Muslim sponsored 525 Muslims for pilgrimage last year and this year.

He said, “Our governor, despite being a non-Muslim, has been very helpful to our people. Last year, he gave us a slot of seats from the government, about 525. Also, this year, he did the same, giving us 525 as well. Also, for the first time, since the creation of Plateau, the state Muslim Pilgrims Board stayed in a temporary site. But on his coming on board, he gave us a permanent office. Right now, renovations are ongoing, and when we come back from hajj, he will inaugurate the place, and we will enter. The place is fantastic. We thank our governor for all his support.’’

Also speaking, Seriki Hausawa and Amir Hajj of Imo State, Auwal Suleiman, described Uzodinma as non-discriminatory governor.

According to Mr Suleiman, Mr Uzodinma is a governor for all.

He said, “He is a true governor who believes in Nigeria. He is a governor who does not segregate based on ethnicity or religion. He is a governor who believes that a Nigerian can live anywhere in Nigeria and benefit from everything that the indigenes also benefit from.’’

Mr Suleiman said that hajj sponsorship was part of the governor’s promises to the Muslims of Imo State, and he fulfilled it.

He added, “Aside from giving us slots or sponsoring Muslims coming to Saudi Arabia in 2025, he started in 2023. And not only the Muslims, but our governor has also been sponsoring Christians to Jerusalem.’’  

He said that Mr Uzodinma was also someone who believed in prayers.

“He believes that in Nigeria, in this current situation, what we need and what the country needs is prayer,” he said.

(NAN)