By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The third batch of 557 intending pilgrims from Kwara State have departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in this year’s Hajj exercise.
Addressing the pilgrims before their departure at the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, urged them to be law-abiding, disciplined, and worthy ambassadors of the State and Nigeria.
Alhaji Abdulkadir advised the pilgrims to avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country.
He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, patience, and mutual understanding among fellow pilgrims during the spiritual exercise.
The Executive Secretary also charged them to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the Hajj operations, while praying for a successful and hitch-free pilgrimage for all pilgrims.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Professor Moshood Mahmud-Jimba, equally urged the intending pilgrims to uphold good conduct and remain focused on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
Professor Mahmud-Jimba prayed for their safe journey, successful Hajj exercise, and peaceful return to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
The 557 pilgrims were accompanied by two officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), alongside a Board member, Hajiya Khadijat Ab-tabwy including the Onipe of Ipe, Oba Muftau Lawal, and the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Agboola Moshood.
The pilgrims departed the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a Max Air flight which took off at 10.09am en route to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
