Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has flagg-off the airlifting of first batch of intending pilgrims from the state to the holy Land for 2024 Hajj Exercise.
The governor flagged off the commencement of the exercise at the state Hajj camp in Samaru, Gusau, the state capital.
He called on the pilgrims to always adhere to Saudi Arabia laws and to avoid any acts capable of tarnishing their image and that of their state and the country at large.
The governor also urged them to utilize their money wisely to avoid being stranded or financially handicapped during the Hajj exercise, and to desist from buying valuable items that would consume their money.
According to him, his administration has settled a backlog amounting to seven hundred and thirty million naira owed by last year’s intending pilgrims from the state.
He also announced a gift of one hundred dollars to each intending pilgrim from the state, adding that a similar gesture from the state First Lady, Hajiya Huriya Dauda Lawal, was also approved for them.
The governor also called on the intending pilgrims from the state to pray for lasting peace to prevail in Zamfara State, northern region and the country in general.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Zamfara State Hajj Commission, Malam Musa Mallaha, said 1712 intending pilgrims were expected to perform this year’s Hajj exercise.
The first flight of the pilgrims was drawn from the four local government areas of the state, which include Bakura, Bukuyum, Gummi, and Shinkafi, and they are expected to leave Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 29th May, 2024.
COV / SANI DUTSINMA
