Shettima flags off 2026 Hajj operations, urges pilgrims to uphold Nigeria’s values
…First batch of 500 Kogi pilgrims departs Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday flagged off the 2026 Hajj operations in Abuja, charging intending Muslim pilgrims to uphold values that
...First batch of 500 Kogi pilgrims departs Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday flagged off the 2026 Hajj operations in Abuja, charging intending Muslim pilgrims to uphold values that positively reflect Nigeria and serve as worthy ambassadors of the country during their spiritual journey.
Speaking at the inaugural airlift ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Vice President said pilgrims carry the nation’s image on the global stage and must conduct themselves with discipline, humility, patience and integrity.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people. Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity,” Shettima said.
The ceremony marked the commencement of the 2026 Hajj exercise with the departure of about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State to Saudi Arabia, out of a total of 50,000 Nigerians expected to perform the pilgrimage this year.
The Vice President described the pilgrimage as a binding covenant between the Nigerian state and its citizens, stressing that government has a duty of care to ensure the safety and welfare of pilgrims, while participants must uphold national values.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback”.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, noting that governance remains anchored on service and accountability.
He emphasised that while Hajj is a personal act of worship, it also reflects the credibility of national institutions, as every pilgrim travels under Nigeria’s banner.
“We owe every Nigerian pilgrim dignity, safety, order, compassion, and honour. Each pilgrim travels under the banner of our country, and each institution involved carries a sacred trust,” he added.
The Vice President further tasked Hajj administrators, aviation operators, medical personnel and security agencies to ensure seamless coordination and high standards of service delivery, noting that success would be measured by the comfort and experience of pilgrims rather than the number of flights.
“The success of this operation will not be measured by the number of aircraft that depart alone, but by the comfort of our pilgrims, the orderliness of our processes, and the absence of avoidable hardship,” he said.
In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described the Hajj as a rare spiritual privilege, urging pilgrims to remain devoted to God and pray for Nigeria’s peace and socio-economic development.
He also called for prayers for the President and Vice President as they steer the country through ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, expressed appreciation to the administration for strengthening institutional coordination, assuring that the FCT would ensure seamless movement of pilgrims.
Similarly, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, said the Federal Government was working with relevant agencies to guarantee safety and comfort across airports during the exercise.
Earlier, Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, assured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, noting ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency.
He urged pilgrims to remain guided by humility and decorum throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
