Shettima Flags Off 2026 Hajj, Urges Pilgrims to Uphold Nigeria’s Values
By Abdulmumin Aliu
Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian Muslim pilgrims embarking on the 2026 Hajj to uphold values that positively reflect the country, describing them as ambassadors of Nigeria on the global stage.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), disclosed this in a statement.
According to him, the VP stated this while speaking on Sunday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 Hajj airlift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He emphasized the need for discipline, humility, patience, and integrity among pilgrims as they undertake the sacred journey.
The inaugural flight, which airlifted about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State to Saudi Arabia, marks the beginning of an operation expected to convey approximately 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims.
Shettima described the pilgrimage as a “binding covenant” between the government and its citizens, stressing that while the state must ensure welfare and safety, pilgrims must uphold national values.
He noted that the pilgrims represent the image of the nation and should uphold the dignity of its people. He added that stakeholders will measure the success of the exercise not only by the number of flights conducted but also by the comfort and overall experience of the pilgrims.
The Vice President reaffirmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians both at home and abroad, noting that governance is anchored on service and accountability.
He further charged all agencies involved, including aviation authorities, medical teams, and security personnel, to ensure seamless coordination throughout the operation.
Also speaking, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo described Hajj as a rare spiritual privilege and called on pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and socio-economic development. He urged them to support the administration’s reform agenda through prayers.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ismail Abba Yusuf, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and service delivery.
