Owerri, Nigeria – May 9, 2025
Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has officially flagged off the 2025 Hajj operations with a strong call for discipline, excellence, and national pride among all stakeholders. The historic event, which took place at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, marks the first-ever Hajj inaugural flight from the South-East region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the Hajj is not only a spiritual journey but a national assignment that symbolizes faith, duty, and dignity. He urged officials and service providers to uphold diligence and accountability, warning that there is no room for negligence when lives and sacred obligations are at stake.
He also charged the departing pilgrims to represent Nigeria with honour and integrity, promoting unity and good conduct throughout the pilgrimage. Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill, noting that the federal government has provided all necessary support to ensure a smooth Hajj experience.
The Vice President was accompanied by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Jafaru Muhammad Alli, Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Affairs. They were warmly received by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and other dignitaries.
NAHCON Chairman Prof. Usman revealed that a total of 64,188 pilgrims are registered for the 2025 Hajj, with 315 embarking on the inaugural flight from Owerri. He praised the federal government’s role in resolving issues around the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and lauded Governor Uzodimma’s efforts in fostering religious harmony in the South-East.
Governor Uzodimma, in his remarks, expressed pride in hosting the event, noting that the airport was originally built through communal efforts. He described the ceremony as a testament to the religious tolerance embraced in the state and prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, hailed the choice of Owerri as a significant gesture toward national unity. He emphasized that religion remains a personal affair, but the country must continue to pursue collective harmony.
The event concluded with the departure of the first batch of pilgrims aboard an Air Peace aircraft. NAHCON aims to complete the airlift operation within two weeks.
