Governor Umar Namadi has urged intending pilgrims from Jigawa State to be good ambassadors during their stay in the Holy Land.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony at Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport, Governor Namadi also called on the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity and progress in Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
He noted that Jigawa pilgrims had demonstrated exemplary conduct in Saudi Arabia over the past three years.
The governor therefore urged the pilgrims to maintain their good behaviour, remain worthy ambassadors of the state and comply with the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He also encouraged them to intensify prayers for peaceful coexistence in Jigawa State and across Nigeria.
Governor Namadi further advised the pilgrims to remain close to officials, especially preachers assigned by the state government to guide and educate them on the basic rites of Hajj to ensure a successful and acceptable pilgrimage.
The airlift of the first batch of 480 intending pilgrims was witnessed by the state Amirul Hajj Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi and some members of the emirate council, state house of assembly Committee on religious affairs, some members of the state executive Council among others.
Some of the intending pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria commended the state pilgrims board for conducting smooth screening as well as taking good care of them both at the hajj camp and airport.
Usman Mohammed Zaria.
