The first batch of five hundred and forty two intending pilgrims from jigawa state have been airlifted from Dutse International Airport to the Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj exercise.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Babura stated this at Dutse International airport shortly after their departure to the holy land.
He explained that the intending pilgrims were from twenty six local government area of the state.
He said the local government areas include Gwiwa, Babura, kafin hausa, Gagarawa, Buji, Birnin kudu, Gumel, Ringim, Hadejia, Kirikasamma, Guri, Dutse, Gwaram, Kaugama.
Others are Miga, Mallam Madori, Auyo, Birniwa, Sule tankarkar, Garki, Maigatari, Jahun, Taura, Kiyawa and Kazaure.
Alhaji Mustapha Umar pointed out that the flight also consists of some officials from the the state pilgrims board, medical personal and other critical stakeholders.
According to the Acting Executive Secretary, the intending pilgrims have been vaccinated against corona virus adding that, tests were also conducted on corona and monkey pox before their departure.
Alhaji Mustapha Umar Babura urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country in general while at the holyland.
Babura commended the state security agencies for the smooth conduct of the screening exercise both at the Hajj camp and Dutse International airport.
He also appreciated Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar for the support and cooperation given to the board at all times.
Also speaking, the Director Oprations of the board Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo pointed out that, the state had fortified its pilgrims enough by inviting federal government enforcement agencies which include National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Immigration and customs to enlighten the pilgrims on what to be taken along and other prohibited items.
He urged them to have the fear of Allah in their activities while at the holy land.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo added that, the state had put everything in place to ensure their comfort and welfare 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 received both at the hajj camp and Dutse International airport.
Our Correspondent reports that the pilgrims were airlifted by Max airline at 6:55pm on Monday.
COV/USMAN MZ