By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wednesday flagged off federal government’s inaugural airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2024 annual Hajj, with a charge to the intending pilgrims to maintain national policies aimed at promoting unity, sustainable development and strategic diplomacy throughout the sacred exercise.
Addressing the gathering of intending pilgrims during the flag-off of the airlift at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, Shettima said the Hajj pilgrimage was an opportunity for Nigerian Muslims to uphold the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and project Nigeria’s positive national values on the global stage.
According to a release by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “Our Nigerian pilgrims, as you prepare to depart for the Holy Land, I urge you to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by exhibiting humility, perseverance, and kindness during this journey,” he charged.
He noted that the pilgrimages essence aligned with government policies geared towards fostering peaceful coexistence and social harmony among Nigeria’s diverse populace.
The Vice President also urged the intending pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors for Nigeria by diligently observing all Hajj protocols in Saudi Arabia in line with Abuja’s diplomatic efforts.
“I implore you to be good Nigerian ambassadors by observing the rules and regulations of Hajj,” he said.
Shettima commended government officials and agencies, saying their dedication to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise symbolized “the Nigerian spirit of resilience and hospitality,” which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration aimed to showcase globally.
He also called on the pilgrims to use the sacred journey as a platform to “pray for peace, unity and sustainable development” in Nigeria.
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