A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been praised for returning $5,000 (about ₦8.2 million) she found in Masjidul Haram, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The money belonged to a Russian pilgrim who lost it during prayers at the holy site.
According to a statement from the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajiya Zainab handed over the lost money to officials, who later traced and returned it to its rightful owner.
“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning $5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness,” the Executive Secretary of the Board, Daiyabu Dauda, said.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria also commended her, describing her behaviour as a good example for others to follow.
Meanwhile, NAHCON said it is working with Saudi authorities to reopen the visa process for Nigerian pilgrims who are still waiting to travel for the Hajj.
In a statement on Wednesday, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Usara, said, “There is optimism for a positive outcome, and when that is realised, the commission will immediately transport the registered pilgrims for the Hajj in another special arrangement.”
She added that some staff have already been placed on standby, ready to act as soon as the visa process resumes.
