BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
In a heartwarming display of integrity, a Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has returned a lost sum of $5,000 (approximately ₦8.2 million) to its rightful owner during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The money was reportedly found at the revered Masjidul Haram in Makkah and later identified as belonging to a Russian pilgrim. Without hesitation, Zainab ensured the funds were handed back, earning praise both at home and abroad for her honesty.
Daiyabu Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended her noble act, describing it as “an outstanding show of honesty and moral strength.” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) also applauded her for representing Nigeria in such a positive light.
In related developments, NAHCON announced ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabian authorities concerning the possibility of reopening the visa process for Nigerian pilgrims still hoping to partake in this year’s Hajj.
Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information at NAHCON, stated in a release that the commission remains optimistic about a favourable response. She assured that arrangements are in place to transport registered pilgrims promptly if the visa window is reopened, adding that some staff members are already on standby in preparation.
