Owerri Makes Inaugural Hajj Flight  History

Owerri Makes Inaugural Hajj Flight  History

Owerri, the Imo State capital, made History with the 2025 inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia.

The significance of the event was evident with the presence of key dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Hajj Affairs, and the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

At the event, the NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdulqlahi Saleh Usman described the moment as “historic and spiritually fulfilling,” emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to inclusiveness and ease of access for pilgrims across Nigeria.

“This event is remarkable because it is the first ever Hajj inaugural flight to take off from this region, Professor Usman described the occasion as a symbol of national unity that proves the religious harmony Governor Uzodimma is fostering in Imo State”.

“Governor Uzodimma’s decision to host the national flag-off of the Hajj flight reflects an administration that transcends religious divides and promotes a vision of unity. It also highlights our identity as a state that embraces diversity,. Next month, Christian pilgrims will also depart for the Holy Land from this same airport, underlining our shared values of faith and unity.”

On his part, Governor Uzodimma described the airlift as a moment of pride and reaffirmed Imo’s position as a beacon of peaceful coexistence.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his address titled Pilgrims of Purpose, called on both pilgrims and officials to uphold discipline, integrity, and national pride throughout the Hajj operation.

“You are more than spiritual travellers. You are ambassadors of Nigeria, urging them to embody the nation’s values and respect all rules laid down by both Nigerian and Saudi authorities”.

He extended President Tinubu’s goodwill, praising the NAHCON leadership for effective coordination and commending Governor Uzodimma for his inclusive governance.

As the Owerri flight took off, other departure points across the country also launched their first 2025 Hajj operations with four flights that departed from Bauchi, Kebbi, Owerri, and Lagos, airlifting 1,622 pilgrims and officials to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The smooth coordination of these initial flights signals NAHCON’s commitment to completing the entire airlift within two weeks, as earlier pledged by the Commission’s leadership.

PR/ Salihu Tejumola