According to a news report from Voice of Nigeria, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, has extended invitations to thirty Nigerians for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. This annual gesture recognises individuals for their contributions to the expansion of Islamic education and enlightenment.

Among the honoured Nigerians are financial and taxation expert Dr. Awa Ibraheem, Kwara State Grand Khadi Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, retired Kwara State Grand Khadi Justice Idris Haroun, 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.

King Salman's invitations were also extended to individuals from ninety other countries. Dr. Awa Ibraheem expressed profound gratitude to King Salman for the honour of being invited as a guest for 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.”