By Adenike Lawal
In a remarkable act of honesty during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, a Nigerian woman, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, returned $5,000 (approximately ₦8.24 million) to its Russian owner after finding the money at the Grand Mosque (Masjidul Haram) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Verified reports from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the Plateau State Pilgrims Board confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday, showcasing a rare display of integrity at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Pilgrims Board, praised Zainab’s actions, describing her as a role model for all pilgrims.
“She showed remarkable honesty by not only picking up the lost money but making sure it was safely returned to its rightful owner,” Dauda said. “It’s the kind of character we hope to see more of among pilgrims and indeed all Nigerians.”
On a broader note, NAHCON disclosed ongoing discussions with Saudi authorities about resuming visa issuance for Nigerian pilgrims, following a suspension that has impacted many hopeful travellers.
Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications at NAHCON, expressed optimism, noting that “multiple countries, including Nigeria, are actively engaging the Saudi government to reconsider the visa freeze.” She added that the commission “remains hopeful that a positive resolution is near.”
This story of personal integrity alongside diplomatic efforts highlights a significant moment for Nigeria’s Hajj operations this year.
