In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation and religious sectors, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently inaugurated the first flight of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operation at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo. This historic event marked the first international departure from the Imo Airport, with 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states set to embark on an Air Peace flight to Saudi Arabia.
The Vice President was warmly received by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman, and other high-ranking government officials upon his arrival. This gathering underscored the importance of the occasion, which is part of a broader effort that will see no fewer than 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims join their Muslim counterparts from around the globe to perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims, registered through the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are part of a significant movement that reflects the deep-rooted religious faith and practices within Nigeria.
The NAHCON, led by its Chairman, expressed its commitment to ensuring seamless operations for the 2025 Hajj. Professor Usman emphasized the importance of unity and commitment among stakeholders to provide effective and efficient services to the pilgrims. “I assure all major stakeholders that NAHCON is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships, collaborations, and teamwork to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj operations,” he stated, highlighting the commission’s readiness to facilitate a successful pilgrimage experience for all participants.
Further reinforcing the commission’s stance, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Anofi Elegushi, reiterated the body’s commitment to improving its operations, ensuring that this year’s Hajj operations are conducted with utmost efficiency and care for the pilgrims. This dual emphasis on partnership and operational improvement reflects NAHCON’s understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with managing such a large-scale religious event, especially one that involves international travel and diverse stakeholders.
As the 2025 Hajj operations unfold, the successful departure of the first batch of pilgrims from Imo Airport not only signifies a crucial step in the religious journey of thousands of Nigerians but also marks a promising development in the aviation sector of the country. The collaboration between government entities, religious commissions, and aviation services like Air Peace underscores the potential for coordinated efforts to achieve significant milestones, both in terms of religious observance and national development. With the eyes of the Muslim world turned towards Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, Nigeria’s efforts to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage for its citizens reflect the country’s commitment to its religious and international obligations.
