King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, has invited thirty Nigerians as guests for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
The invitation was based on the individual’s contributions to the expansion of Islamic education and enlightenment which is usually done every year during pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Among the Nigerians invited are a financial and taxation expert, Dr Awa Ibraheem, the Kwara State Grand Khadi, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, Retired Kwara State Grand Khadi, Justice Idris Haroun, a Lagos State Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Imran Eleha, the First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajia Hadiza Ndamadi and Queen Seidat Almubarak, wife of Dr Awa Ibraheem.
The king’s invitation was also extended to ninety countries of the world.
Speaking on the development, Dr Awa Ibraheem, showed great appreciation to King Salman for honouring him and others with special invitation as guests to this year’s Hajj.
According to him, “Some prominent people that have contributed and are still contributing to the development of Islamic education and enlightenment are usually invited by the Saudi King to perform hajj as his guests”.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja had earlier bid farewell to the Nigerian pilgrims who departed for the 2024 Hajj.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ghamidy, emphasized the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving and caring for pilgrims visiting the Sacred House of Allah.
Al-Ghamidy stressed the significance of this mission and the pride with which the Kingdom assumes the responsibility of ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
According to him, this reflects the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide.
Al-Ghamidy said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently prioritized the well-being and comfort of pilgrims visiting the Holy Sites.
He acknowledged the meticulous planning and extensive measures put in place by the Kingdom to accommodate and serve the millions of Muslims who undertake the Hajj pilgrimage each year.
This dedication, he noted, underscores the deep spiritual and cultural importance of the Hajj and the Umrah in the Islamic faith.
“A symbolic “Pilgrim’s Gift” was presented to the Nigerian guests as a token of appreciation and support, representing the Kingdom’s dedication to their comfort and well-being during the pilgrimage.”
Lantana Nasir
