The first batch of intending pilgrims from Kano has departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano, to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj
The 550 passengers drawn from Doguwa, Tudun-Wada, Garun-Mallam and Bebeji local government areas of the state departed on board Max air VM4013 wide body aircraft at exactly 2.10pm Monday.
Addressing the intending pilgrims at the Hajj terminal prior to departure, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf cautioned the Kano contingents against any act capable of denting the image of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf specifically warned the would be pilgrims from embarking on protect or demonstration of any kind at the holy land just as he intimated on the consequences of drug trafficking and criminal act in Saudi Arabia.
The Governor urged the intending pilgrims to consider themselves privilege to be among the few who had answered the call to perform the 2023 Hajj exercise, a rare opportunity the Governor charged them to cherish through their moral conduct at the holy land.
Yusuf however wanted the first set of intending pilgrims to use their presence at various sacred places to pray for peace, tranquility and development of Kano and Nigeria in general.
Earlier, the Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Laminu Rabiu disclosed the total number of 6,129 intending pilgrims, including the left over passengers from previous years and new intakes would be airlifted.
On his part, the grand manager of Max air, Alh. Abdullahi Bawa said the airline is prepared to deploy full capacity required to airlift Kano passengers.
Bawa regreted the administrative challenges on the part of Kano and NAHCON which foiled the airlift scheduled to begin 25th May, 2023, adding that Max air is ready to deploy it’s aircraft at any given point for the operation.
