Shettima arrives Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj, diplomatic engagements

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the lesser hajj (Umrah), a recommended religious pilgrimage for Muslims.

A statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president’s spokesperson, said Shettima landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport on Monday.

Abdulmohsen Bin Nayef Bin Hamed, deputy governor of the Madinah region, and Nigerian diplomatic officials received the vice-president on arrival.

Shettima is billed to visit the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah from December 16 to 19.

He will also hold bilateral talks with the president of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah on co-financing the special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZ Phase II) in Nigeria.

 Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno, is on the entourage of the vice-president.

“The Vice President is in Medina for a visit to the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other holy sites,” the statement reads.

“The Vice President will also proceed to Mecca, where he will perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

“On December 20, 2024, VP Shettima is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the president of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah.

“The discussions will centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) and enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development.”