Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has approved the release of two hundred dollars each for the payment of Hadaya Eid El Kabir sacrifice for all three thousand two hundred intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia from the state.
This is aimed at reducing their hardship and ensuring a hitch-free and successful Hajj, as without the sacrifice, there will be no Hajj.
Amirul Hajj of the State and Emir of Kagara Malam Ahmed Garba Gunna, Attahiru the second stated this while addressing Newsmen in Minna on their level of preparedness for the hajj.
Malam Ahmed Garba Gunna further explained that the Governor also directed intending pilgrims from the state who have paid for the sacrifice through their Area Pilgrims Officer (APO) from twenty-five local government areas to go back and collect their money.
On the airlift of pilgrims from Niger state to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, he said for the first time in six years, intending pilgrims from the state are to be airlifted from Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna this year.
Malam Ahmed Garba Gunna, however, commended Governor Umar Bago for his untiring efforts in ensuring the smooth rehabilitation and reconstruction of the airport, which led to approval for the commencement of the airlift in Minna.
According to him, the Niger State Governor has also given a directive to officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board not to summon any intending pilgrim to Tudun Fulani Hajj camp for more than five hours before their departure time to avoid causing unnecessary hardship to pilgrims.
On feeding and transportation of its pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, the Amirul Hajj confirmed that they will be fed twice a day as usual, while buses will be used to convey them from their residences to the Haram and Kaaba for daily prayers.
He also encouraged them to pray for the well-being of Niger State and Nigeria.
COV/ALIYU LAWAL.
