The first batch if intending pilgrims from Niger state has departed to Saudi Arabia.
The Max Air flight VM1051 took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 21:55hrs on Sunday with 547 Pilgrims drawn from Chanchaga, Mashegu, Magama, Munya and part of Kontagora Local Governments including Medical personnel and other officials.
The Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora and the Niger State Amirul Hajj 2022, Alhaji Muhammad Barau Mu’azu advised the State Pilgrims to be law abiding citizens while in the Holy Land.
A statement by the media aide to the state pilgrims board, Hassana Isah quoted Alhaji Barau Mu’azu assuring all the State’s Pilgrims that despite the challenges of this year’s Hajj, he is optimistic that all the Pilgrims will be successfully airlifted and at record time.
“He concluded by warning them not to engage themselves in any form of transporting any prohibited drug to the Holy Land but urged all Pilgrims to concentrate on how to attain an acceptable Hajj,” the statement said.
It also said the Chief of Staff to the governor of the state, Alh Ibrahim Balarabe (Santurakin Kagara) was also at the Airport to bid them farewell and to express the State’s satisfaction on the Pilgrims patience and endurance during the waiting period before the actualization of Sunday’s flight. He wished them a very safe trip and a successful Pilgrimage.
It could be recalled that Niger State was allocated a total number of Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Five (2,256) seats by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Signed,
Hassana Isah
SSA Media
NSPW Board
Minna
