By Stephen Ojo
First batch of 2024 intending Muslim Pilgrims from Niger State numbering 400 people have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Airport Minna.
Addressing the intending pilgrims before their departure on Thursday, the state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state while in the Holy Land.
Bago urged them to pray fervently for the State in particular and the Country in general for peace and prosperity.
“I advise you to be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land. I want to assure you that government has already paid 200 dollars per pilgrim for Ram sacrifice (Hidiya). I therefore urge you to desist from spending extravagantly”, he said.
He also encouraged them to channel any challenge they might encounter to the State Amirul Hajj or to the Chairman of the Hajj Commission in in the Holy land
He explained that 3,223 intending pilgrims from Niger State are expected to be airlifted for this year’s hajj exercise
The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being instrumental in the completion of the airport terminal, which he said has paved way for the license to airlift intending pilgrims from Minna to the holy land, an exercise which was last done five years ago.
The State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kagara, Alh. Ahmed Attahiru Gunna II, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the tireless efforts to ensure safe airlifting of intending pilgrims.