Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, launched the 2025 national Hajj pilgrimage, urging the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country.

In a speech at the ceremony, held at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Mr Shettima called for collective efforts to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

He emphasised the need for the country to learn from past exercises and avoid issues of negligence.

He urged those charged with logistical operations and support to see their responsibility as a trust from God, ensuring that every pilgrim departed and returned with heart full of gratitude.

He charged the pilgrims to see themselves beyond being spiritual travellers.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only yourself but also the pride and dignity of this nation.

“The president in his characteristic foresight has made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj,” the vice president said.

He affirmed the federal government’s commitment to protect, support and elevate every Nigerian.

Mr Shettima, however, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo for fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion, and his commitment to the Nigerian project.

In a speech, Mr Uzodimma said the airlift of the 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa marked the first international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

“This airport, built over 40 years ago through communal contributions and collective effort, is widely recognised as the first of its kind in Africa.

“That it now serves as a departure point for an international pilgrimage reflects not just our history, but how far we have come,” he said.

The governor also said that on assumption of office, his administration resolved to ensure the airport met international aviation standards.

He said: “We upgraded the runway, installed night-landing equipment, strengthened the aviation security, and rebuilt the access road, now named Bola Tinubu Drive.

“These steps were taken deliberately to reposition the airport for full international operations.

“I thank President Tinubu for the approvals that made this possible.

“I also acknowledge the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and his team for their support.

“We are grateful to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for choosing Imo as the host of this year’s inaugural flight,” he further said.

The governor charged the intending pilgrims, who were the first Nigerians to depart for Hajj in 2025, to travel in the spirit of the mission, uphold discipline, reverence, and national honour that the journey required.

“You carry not just your personal intentions, but the image of your state and country,” he said.

He said that the maiden Hajj flight also highlighted Imo as a state that embraces diversity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Mr Uzodimma disclosed that Christian pilgrims would also depart for the Holy Land from the same airport in June, “underlining, yet again, our shared values of faith and unity”.

He said the launch opened a new economic window for Imo, with improved infrastructure and rising investor confidence, boosting business and tourism prospects.

He said that the Oguta Lake dredging was underway, with an expansion in energy access, leveraging gas reserves for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for its effort in facilitating the pilgrimage.

In a remark, the Sultan of Sokoto and president, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Mr Uzodimma for his role in ensuring the successful hosting of the event.

Mr Abubakar also thanked him for consistently accommodating all faiths in the state.

He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s leaders, peace, stability and unity in the country. 

(NAN)