Kaduna State has successfully airlifted over 4,000 pilgrims to perform the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The last batch of over 300 pilgrims departed with the state’s Amirul Hajj, Emir of Lere Engineer Sulaiman Umar, and other officials.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has commended officials of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their diligence in ensuring the success of the 2024 Hajj and making sure that the pilgrims get value for their money during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The Amirul Hajj, Engr Suleiman Umar, the Emir of Lere conveyed the Governor’s commendation while delivering a farewell message to the last batch of Kaduna State pilgrims at the Mando Hajj camp on Monday.
The Emir said that Governor Sani thanked the officials of the Agency for getting decent accommodations for the pilgrims at the best bargain, adding that other states have followed that example.
According to the Amirul Hajj, the Agency also got good caterers, in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON), that serve good meals for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Engr Suleiman Umar reminded the intending pilgrims that Hajj is not just a mere journey to the Holy Land but an act of worship which should be performed according to Islamic injunctions.
He enjoined the intending pilgrims to follow the guidance of preachers and Hajj officials who will also be performing the pilgrimage with them, adding that they should not hesitate to ask questions.
Speaking in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, thanked Governor Uba Sani for giving them all the necessary support and free hand to perform their duties.
Malam Salihu also commended Kaduna State pilgrims, Max Airline and officials of the agency for sticking to schedule throughout the Hajj airlift, adding that all the aircraft departed to the Holy land fully loaded.
In his vote of thanks, Air Vice Marshall Mohammed Dabo(rtd), a member of the board, also praised the media for effect coverage, personnel of Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs officials and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for screening intending pilgrims promptly.
Safiyah Abdulkadir
