First batch of 550 intending pilgrims from jigawa state have been airlifted from Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport to the Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj exercise.
The Director General of the board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo disclosed this shortly after their departure to the holy land.
He explained that the intending pilgrims were from 24 local government areas of the state, which include Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi, and Gumel. Gagarawa, Garki, Maigatari, Sule tankarkar, Babura, Jahun, and Miga.
Others are Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Kirikasamma, Gagarawa, Garki, Maigatari, Sule tankarkar, Babura, Jahun, Miga, Guri, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Dutse, Kiyawa, Ringim and Gwaram.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, pointed out that the flight also consists of some officials from the the state pilgrims board, medical personal and other critical stakeholders.
He urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country in general while at the holyland.
Labbo, commended the state security agencies for the smooth conduct of the screening exercise both at the Hajj camp and airport.
He also commended the state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi for the support and cooperation given to the board at all times.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations of the board, Alhaji Arab Sabo Aujara, stated that the state had adequately prepared its pilgrims by involving federal government enforcement agencies.
These include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Immigration, and Customs, who sensitized the pilgrims on permissible and prohibited items.
He urged the pilgrims to fear Allah in all their activities while in the Holy Land.
Alhaji Arab added that the state had made all necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria before their departure commended the state government and the pilgrims board for the treatment they received both at the hajj camp and the airport.
Our Correspondent reports that the pilgrims were airlifted by Max airline.
COV/USMAN MZ
