Owerri: Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, launched the 2025 National Hajj Pilgrimage, urging the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country. In a speech at the ceremony, held at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Shettima called for collective efforts to ensure a hitch-free exercise. He emphasised the need for the country to learn from past exercises and avoid issues of negligence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shettima urged those charged with logistical operations and support to see their responsibility as a trust from God, ensuring that every pilgrim departed and returned with a heart full of gratitude. He charged the pilgrims to see themselves beyond being spiritual travelers. “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only yourself but also the pride and dignity of this nation,” the vice president stated. He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protect, support, and elevate every Nigerian, while commending Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo for fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
In a speech, Governor Uzodimma noted the significance of the event as the airlift of 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa marked the first international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. “This airport, built over 40 years ago through communal contributions and collective effort, is widely recognised as the first of its kind in Africa,” he said. Uzodimma highlighted the upgrades made to the airport, including the runway and installation of night-landing equipment, to meet international aviation standards.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the approvals that enabled these developments and acknowledged the support of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The governor charged the pilgrims to uphold discipline, reverence, and national honor, emphasizing that they carry not just personal intentions but the image of their state and country.
The event also underscored Imo’s embrace of diversity and peaceful coexistence. Uzodimma disclosed plans for Christian pilgrims to depart for the Holy Land from the same airport, highlighting shared values of faith and unity. The launch is seen as a new economic opportunity for Imo, with improved infrastructure and rising investor confidence boosting business and tourism prospects. The governor also mentioned ongoing projects like the Oguta Lake dredging and energy access expansion.
In a remark, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Uzodimma for his role in the event’s success and urged the pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s leaders, peace, stability, and unity.