Nigeria: Hajj - First Batch of Nigerian Pilgrims Depart for Holy Land

Dutse — A total 530 pilgrims from Jigawa State were yesterday airlifted by Max Air to Saudi Arabia for the 2014 hajj exercise.

The inaugural flight, which was flagged off by Vice President Namadi Sambo, was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, the Oba of Lagos who is also the 2014 Amirul Hajj, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Umar Garbai, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi the 11.

In his remarks, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Malam Muhammad Bello, commended the Jigawa State government for building a world-class airport, adding that 530 Jigawa pilgrims will board the inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia.

He said other pilgrims will later today depart from the 12 departures centres in Nigeria, adding that four new departure centers have been created in Enugu, Bauchi, Kebbi and Jigawa. The NAHCON boss commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his support.

The Amirul Hajj and Oba of Lagos,Oba Rilwanu, urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors the country.

In his address, the Sultan of Sokoto commended Lamido for constructing one of the best airports in Nigeria, adding the people in Jigawa were proud of Lamido for his achievements in transforming the state in the last eight years.

The Sultan equally commended the federal government for their support to NAHCON which had made hajj operation easier. He said the choice of Oba of Lagos asthis year's Amirul Hajj was as a result of his forthrightness and commitment to truth.

The Sultan called on the pilgrims to be of good behaviour while in the holy land.

View the original article here