The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board said the first batch of pilgrims for 2022 Hajj would be airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 16.
The Chairman of the board, Dr Abdulkadir Sambaki, stated this at the enlightenment programme organised for intending pilgrims traveling with the board.
Sambaki added that a total of 1,500 pilgrims would perform the Hajj from Kwara, while charging them to obey the rules and regulations of the exercise and be good ambassadors of the state.
He enjoined the pilgrims to ensure they have been fully immunised against COVID-19 virus.
Dr Ibrahim Akewusola, the state Amirul-Hajj, admonished the pilgrims to follow the rules laid down by the board to ensure smooth operations.
He warned them against engaging in acts capable of tarnishing the image of the country.
“We enjoined you to avoid fighting with anybody, avoid indecent dressing and avoid use of abusive words in the Holy Land.
‘Hajj is not for pomp and pagentry but solely for the worship of Allah. So avoid overspending and acquring huge loads that may be rejected by your flight while returning,” he said.
Akewusola commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership role towards a hitch-free Hajj.
Prof. Mamman Jibril, the Secretary to the State Government, also called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Islam at large.
Jibril, who representated the governor at the event, advised the pilgrims to follow the instructions of the board while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Mr AbdulGaniyu Ahmed, the Executive Secretary of the board, advised the pilgrims to be thankful to Allah for being worthy of being his visitors.
Ahmed encouraged them not to derail from act of worship while in the Holly land and also be their brother’s keeper at all times in order to have a successful exercise.
