The federal government has selected a total of 64,188 Nigerians for this year’s holy pilgrimage.
This is just as the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, has recorded its first international flight, as Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace yesterday airlifted about 315 pilgrims in its inaugural 2025 Hajj operations from the airport.
Vice President Kashim Shettima weekend flagged off the inaugural airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
The grand ceremony at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, marked the airport’s first international flight.
Flagging off the inaugural airlift, Shettima applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for promoting unity, religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion by hosting the inaugural flight ceremony in his state, noting that the gesture is emblematic of Nigeria unfolding into harmony with itself as a nation.
The Vice President conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the pilgrims, saying: “The President, in his characteristic foresight, has once again made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj.”
Shettima cautioned the pilgrims against overlooking the dignity of the Nigerian flag they are carrying, even as he reminded them that the success of the Hajj operation rests on their shoulders.