Nura Haruna Mudi, Kano
In a bid to foster Islamic unity and ensure access to Islam’s holiest sites, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Abuja hosted a grand farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerian pilgrims selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Umrah 2025.
The event, presided over by His Excellency Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting Muslims worldwide and enhancing their spiritual experiences through pilgrimage.
The initiative, launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, offers full sponsorship to Muslims from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to perform Umrah. This program reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as the spiritual hub of the Islamic world.
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In his keynote address, Ambassador Al-Ghamdi expressed deep gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience. He highlighted their leadership in expanding and modernizing the Two Holy Mosques to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims each year.
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince view serving pilgrims as a sacred duty and an immense honor,” he said. “Through this program and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey.”
Ambassador Al-Ghamdi revealed that the Kingdom has invested over $100 billion in upgrading the infrastructure and technology of the Two Holy Mosques. These efforts include advanced crowd management systems and cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
He also stressed the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s laws and regulations to maintain order and ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
“The leadership of Saudi Arabia is deeply committed to serving the guests of God. This is a responsibility we cherish, and we continually strive to improve both the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage,” he added.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program, which provides thousands of Muslims worldwide the opportunity to perform Umrah annually, covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, and logistics.
The Nigerian pilgrims expressed heartfelt gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Kingdom’s leadership for their generosity and efforts in serving Islam, Muslims, and the holy sites.
This initiative continues to stand as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to uniting Muslims and facilitating their access to the sacred landmarks of Mecca and Medina.
