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The Federal Government (FG) has flagged off the inaugural airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the historic ceremony, urged the intending pilgrims to uphold Nigerian values and represent the country with dignity during their spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The event marked the first international departure from the airport, which was built over 40 years ago through communal efforts.
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A total of 64,188 Nigerians are scheduled to participate in this year’s Hajj, with 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States departing on Friday aboard an Air Peace flight.
Shettima commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for fostering religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusion in the state.
He stated that the hosting of the inaugural Hajj airlift in the South East was symbolic of a nation coming into harmony with itself.
He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the pilgrims and affirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting all Nigerians in their religious obligations.
“The President, in his characteristic foresight, has made all necessary resources available to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj,” Shettima said.
He reminded the pilgrims of their roles as ambassadors of Nigeria. “You are more than spiritual travellers. You carry with you not only your faith, but also the pride and dignity of this nation,” he said.
He warned both pilgrims and logistical personnel against negligence, emphasising that “there is no room for error where lives, hopes, and sacred obligations converge.”
However, Uzodimma described the event as a milestone in the state’s aviation history, expressing gratitude to Tinubu for the approvals that made the inaugural flight possible.
He highlighted the economic benefits of the development and revealed plans to also airlift Christian pilgrims from the same airport next month, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to religious inclusion.
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The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised Uzodimma for promoting religious harmony in a region with a Christian majority.
“This is a strong message that unity and mutual respect are still possible in our nation,” he said.
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saleh Usman, described the flight as a historic first in the region and a testament to the governor’s commitment to religious inclusivity.
