A kind Nigerian pilgrim named Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State recently made headlines in Makkah. She found a large sum of money—about $5,000 (which is roughly ₦8,240,000)—left behind at Masjidul Haram and returned it to the rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim.

The discovery happened on Tuesday, May 27, and quickly caught the attention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Plateau State Pilgrims Board. Honorable Daiyabu Dauda, who leads the Plateau Pilgrims Board, praised Hajiya Zainab for her honesty and strong sense of integrity. He said her action was a remarkable example of kindness and respect.

While this good news spread, NAHCON is also busy discussing with Saudi officials about reopening visa services for pilgrims wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia. According to Fatima Sanda Usara, the assistant director of information at NAHCON, several countries, including Nigeria, have asked the Saudi government to resume visa processing, which has been closed for a while.

NAHCON remains hopeful that the talks will bring a positive outcome soon. Once visas are available again, the commission plans to quickly arrange travel for all registered pilgrims through special arrangements.

To prepare for this possibility, NAHCON has kept some of its staff ready and on standby to handle the visa and travel process once the window reopens.

This story of Hajiya Zainab’s honesty reminds us all of the importance of doing the right thing, especially during such a sacred journey as the Hajj pilgrimage. At the same time, many hopeful pilgrims await good news on visa availability so they too can fulfill this important religious duty.