A Nigerian pilgrim from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Abba Limawa, 52, has demonstrated remarkable honesty by returning 10,500 Russian rubles, $800, and 690 Saudi Riyals he found in Makkah.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Limawa handed over the currencies to Jalal Arabi, the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), during a post-Arafat conference held on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Limawa recounted finding the money inside a waist bag while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque). He initially considered ignoring the bag but then thought it might belong to a fellow Nigerian pilgrim, particularly one of the older women. Deciding to investigate, he picked up the bag and proceeded to the mosque. Upon returning to his accommodation, he discovered no Nigerian currency or any indication that it belonged to a Nigerian.
He immediately reported the find to an official of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, who praised his honesty and assured him that the money would be handed over to NAHCON to facilitate its return to the rightful owner.
Jalal Arabi commended Limawa for his integrity, noting that his actions positively reflected Nigeria’s image on the international stage.
During the conference, Arabi also reviewed the outcomes of the recently concluded Hajj rituals. He explained that the purpose of the post-Arafat conference was to evaluate the events and improve on the successes achieved.
Arabi announced that the Saudi government had released the timetable and timeline for the 2025 Hajj operation and that further details regarding Hajj slot allocations and visa processes would be available soon. He urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, tour operators, and other stakeholders to take note of these developments.
Additionally, Malam Goni Sanda, Head of Aviation for NAHCON, revealed that three flights carrying pilgrims from Kebbi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory would depart for Nigeria on June 22.
