NIGERIAN PILGRIMS DEMONSTRATE EXEMPLARY INTEGRITY: MULTIPLE LOST FUNDS RETURNED IN MAKKAH
A remarkable display of honesty is emerging from the Nigerian pilgrims’ community during this year’s Hajj, as numerous reports continue to highlight pilgrims returning lost cash and valuables—setting a commendable example of integrity and moral conduct.
In one standout case, the Deputy Coordinator of Makkah Operations, Mr. Alidu Shutti, presented three Nigerian pilgrims to the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi’u O. Elegushi, for official recognition after they returned purses containing cash belonging to fellow pilgrims—one Nigerian and one Egyptian.
Alhaji Bello Shu’aibu Ajani, from Ede Local Government Area of Osun State, found a purse containing 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately $53.31). In an act of commendable integrity, he turned it over to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through the Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Abdrasheed Abdul Azeez.
In a separate incident, two other Nigerian pilgrims
Alhaji Isiaka Eniola Olaosun from Kwara State and Alhaji Bakare Momodu from Edo State discovered another misplaced purse. They promptly contacted NAHCON’s Makkah Media Officer, followed directions, and personally delivered the items to Mr. Shutti, who then presented them to Commissioner Elegushi.
Upon receiving the recovered items, Prince Elegushi lauded the pilgrims for their honesty, calling them
“True Ambassadors of Nigeria.” He offered prayers for their wellbeing, stating: “You have brought happiness to the rightful owners of these items may Allah grant you happiness as well.”
The purse belonging to the Egyptian pilgrim, Mustafa Ramadhan Mustafa Ali, contained:
- 4,590 Egyptian Pounds (~$92.24)
- 65 Saudi Riyals (~$17.33)
- 5 Euros (~$5.68)
Commissioner Elegushi ordered that the funds be handed over to the Egyptian Embassy to ensure safe return to the owner. The 200 Saudi Riyals found by Alhaji Ajani were identified as belonging to Shukurah Olawunmi Yusuf, a Nigerian pilgrim from the FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board, and will be
returned accordingly.
In recognition of these honorable actions, the Commissioner also directed that letters of commendation be issued to all involved pilgrims, as well as to Alhaji Abdrasheed Abdul Azeez, for facilitating the process.
This incident is one of many during the ongoing Hajj season, reflecting a rising culture of integrity and goodwill among Nigerian pilgrims—sending a powerful and positive message about the nation’s values on the global stage.
