A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been widely praised for her honesty after returning $5,000 (approximately ₦8.2 million) she found at the Masjidul Haram in Makkah to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim.
The Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commended her exemplary conduct.
“Hajiya Zainab demonstrated outstanding integrity and honesty by returning the money.
It’s a remarkable act of kindness and character,” said Daiyabu Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Plateau Pilgrims Board, in a statement.
In a separate development, NAHCON announced it is in discussions with Saudi authorities to reopen visa processing for intending Nigerian pilgrims who are yet to travel.
Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the commission remains hopeful.
“There is optimism for a positive outcome. Once confirmed, the commission will make immediate arrangements to airlift registered pilgrims under a special plan,” Usara said.
She also noted that some NAHCON staff have been placed on standby in preparation for a potential reopening of the visa window.