Three other Nigerian pilgrims also returned two lost purses belonging to fellow pilgrims — one Nigerian and one Egyptian. Photo: ABDULLAHIABUBAKARI. /Salientreporters
The Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commended one of its pilgrims, Zainab Idris, for returning a lost sum of $5,000 while on pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking with newsmen in Makkah, the Board’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Daiyabu Daudu, said Zainab’s honesty and integrity exemplify the values instilled in pilgrims and the positive image they are expected to uphold.
Daudu shared how Zainab found the cash while heading to the Haram and quickly reported the incident to the authorities.
“For this woman, we are so proud of her. She found 5,000 dollars and contacted us. She said she found it on her way to Haram.
“Luckily enough, the owner put his card and hotel details here in Makkah, and we used the contact to meet him and return his money. We are so proud of her. Honestly speaking, she has made us proud.”
Daudu also credited Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s consistent messages to the state’s pilgrims as a guiding influence for such positive conduct.
“We in Plateau State, like I rightly said, our governor normally, in all his messages last year and this year, before our departure, emphasised to our people, our pilgrims, to be good ambassadors wherever they are.
“Not just the pilgrims, but anyone who is embarking on a visit to another country or state. What he always preaches is to be good ambassadors.
Echoing Daudu’s sentiments, Ibrahim Galadima, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Wase Constituency, said the pilgrim’s action reflects a strong moral upbringing and religious instruction.
Galadima also attributed such an act to the efforts, resilience, and commitment of the organisers and the Ulama for preaching the gospel of God to the pilgrims.
“She has added value to the entire nation. We are proud of her, and we are proud of our government that always preaches the gospel of peace, unity, togetherness, and inclusivity. So, we appreciate that.”
Among them was Alhaji Bello Shu’aibu Ajani from the Ede Local Government Area of Osun State, who found a purse containing 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately $53.31) and handed 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 another commendable act of honesty, two Nigerian pilgrims, Alhaji Isiaka Eniola Olaosun from Kwara State and Alhaji Bakare Momodu from Edo State, also found a lost purse and took swift action to ensure it was returned to its rightful owner.
FRCN
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