The Federal Government, on Friday, officially marked the inaugural air bridge of the Nigerian pilgrims for Hajj 2025 of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, IMO state, which marked the first international flight from the Southeast Airport.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the ceremony, accused the pilgrims of defending Nigerian values ​​during their pilgrimage, reminding them that they are ambassadors of the country in the Holy Land.
“You are more than spiritual travelers. You have with you the pride and dignity of Nigeria,” Shettima told the pilgrims. “His behavior must reflect the values ​​we appreciate.”
A total of 64,188 Nigerian pilgrims are expected to perform this year's Hajj, with 315 of the IMO, Abia and Bayelsa states scheduled to leave on Friday aboard Owerri's air peace.
The vice president praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for promoting religious harmony by organizing the event, describing him as a symbolic of a Nigeria that grows in the unit.
“I praise Governor Uzodimma for promoting religious tolerance and inclusion. His support is emblematic of a nation that enters harmony with herself,” said Shettima.
He also transmitted the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the pilgrims and pointed out that the federal government had made all the necessary provisions for the success of Hajj 2025.
Warning against negligence, Shettima urged logistics officers to treat their tasks as sacred and avoid mistakes of past operations of the Hajj. “There is no place for negligence where lives, hopes and sacred obligations converge,” he said.
In his comments, Governor Uzodimma described the moment as historical for IMO, noting that the airport built through communal efforts more than four decades ago was entering a new era of international operations. He thanked President Tinubu for enabling the milestone.
“This is a proud day for the IMO people,” said the governor. “Next month, Christian pilgrims will also leave this airport, a testimony of our inclusive governance and religious harmony.”
Sultan of Sokoto and general president of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, praised the governor's commitment to peace and religious tolerance.
“This is a strong message that we can live together in mutual unity and respect,” said Sultan.
The president of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Nahcon), Prof. Saleh Usman, said that the IMO air bridge was the first of its kind in the region and applauded the State for establishing a new standard for interreligious cooperation.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, president of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee; Vice Governor of the State of Imo, Chinyere Ekomaru; President of the IMO State Assembly Chamber, HE. Chike Olemgbe; and former governor Ikedi Ohakim.