Saudi Arabia Sponsors 20 Nigerians for Lesser Hajj under King’s Programme
The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja has hosted a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians selected to participate in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.
The event, led by Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering spiritual connections among Muslims.
A statement issued by the embassy highlighted the programme, initiated by King Salman Al Saud, as a means to provide Muslims with the opportunity to perform the lesser Hajj at no personal expense.
Ambassador Al-Ghamdi expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their dedication to enhancing services for pilgrims. He praised their leadership in making the spiritual journey both fulfilling and seamless.
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince view serving pilgrims as a sacred duty. This programme strengthens Muslim brotherhood while ensuring comfort and safety during the pilgrimage,” he stated.
The ambassador also revealed Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion investment in expanding and modernising the two holy mosques. These projects include advanced infrastructure, crowd management systems, and state-of-the-art technology to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.
He further stressed the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations, which are designed to ensure order and the safety of all pilgrims.
Guests at the ceremony expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, which covers all costs, including travel, accommodation, and other logistics.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme continues to strengthen ties among Muslims worldwide, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Islamic worship and spiritual growth.