By kadiri abdulrahman
Abuja, May 3, 2026 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Sunday held an inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj operations with the transportation of 473 Nigerian pilgrims from Kogi to Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims, who were transported through UMZA flight UMZ3501, departed Abuja to Madinah at 5 p.m.
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima presided over a brief ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, before the official airlift of the pilgrims.
Shettima charged intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to uphold national values that positively reflect Nigeria, and act as positive ambassadors of the country.
He described the pilgrims as representatives of the country on the global stage who must portray the best of the nation while complying with the strict regulations of the host nation.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people.
“Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity,” he said.
The vice president described pilgrimage as a binding covenant between the Nigeria and its citizens.
He said that the government would uphold its duty of care while pilgrims uphold the values of the nation.
He said that the Hajj exercise placed a direct responsibility on public institutions to guarantee the dignity, safety, and seamless movement of all pilgrims.
“Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he said.
The VP reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, describing governance as a covenant anchored on service and accountability.
According to him, while Hajj remains a personal act of worship, it also reflects the strength and credibility of national institutions.
“Every pilgrim travels under Nigeria’s banner.
“We owe every Nigerian pilgrim dignity, safety, order, compassion, and honour.
“Each pilgrim travels under the banner of our country, and each institution involved carries a sacred trust,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi said the Hajj exercise remained a rare privilege that required total devotion to Almighty Allah.
Ododo urged the pilgrims to continue to engage in prayers for Nigeria, particularly for peace and socio-economic development, during their spiritual journeys.
He called for prayers for Tinubu and Shettima, as they steer the country toward a greater Nigeria.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude of the FCT Administration to the President and the Vice President for their guidance and support in strengthening institutional coordination across the board.
She said that the FCT Administration remained committed to ensuring that pilgrims had a seamless experience to and from the Holy Land.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
Yusuf urged the pilgrims to ensure that their conduct in the Holy Land is guided by humility.
He said that NAHCON was undergoing reforms under Tinubu’s administration, aimed at entrenching transparency and transformation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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