By Umar Idris Shuaibu
The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia observing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).
Dr. Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, travelled to the holy land alongside his wife, Professor Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, to participate in the spiritual exercise during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Ramadan Umrah attracts millions of Muslims from across the world who converge on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform the sacred rites and engage in prayers, reflection and acts of devotion.
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For Ganduje, whose public service career spans decades in both political leadership and governance, the pilgrimage provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection away from the demands of public life.
Although far from Nigeria, his presence in the holy land has drawn attention among associates and supporters who regard the pilgrimage as consistent with his long-standing public identification with religious and community values.
Prior to embarking on the journey, Ganduje remained active in public engagements. In recent weeks, he visited the scene of a fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He also attended several community and religious events in Abuja and Kano, including mosque commissioning ceremonies and visits to Islamic centres supported by the Ganduje Foundation.
Since leaving his position as APC National Chairman, the ruling party has continued to witness political developments and realignments across various regions, with Ganduje remaining a notable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As he joins millions of Muslims observing acts of worship during the sacred month of Ramadan, well-wishers across Nigeria have continued to offer prayers for a spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage and a safe return home.