The Kano state government has commenced the airlift of its over 6,000 pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj year to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia.
The inaugural ceremony was performed by the new Kano state Governor Abba Yusuf at the Hajj terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, in North West Nigeria.
He admonished the pilgrims to be good ambassadors, pray for the state, Nigeria and shun all crimes and criminalities while performing the holy pilgrimage in the holy land.
The Governor said the operation is starting with the airlift of 550 pilgrims from four local government areas of the state.
“So far we have a total of 6,129 pilgrims who are due to depart to the holy Land. Out of this total number, we are here to witness the departure of the first batch of 550 pilgrims who were selected from four local government areas, which includes: Doguwa, Tudun-wada, Garu Mallam and Bebeji.
“I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate you as the first batch of our pilgrims who have answered the call of allmighty Allah to fulfill one of the obligatory responsibilities.
“I also want to seize this opportunity unbehalf of the Kano state government and good people of Kano state. I urge you to be good ambassadors who will go as good representatives of the state.
“You should distance yourself from all criminalities, especially drug, armed robbery, protest and other social vices.
“And we also urge to pray for our dear state and Nigeria on general.
“We pray to Allah to grant you good health so that you will be able to discharge your pilgrimage rites and come back to us peacefully,” he said.
The Ground Control Officer of Max Air, Abdulahi Bawa said he was happy with the conduct of the pilgrims so far as many of them abided by the rules guiding the Hajj operations by not carrying any of the banned items in their luggage.
“They are not carrying more than the 35 kg excess luggage and the 7 kg hand luggage required of them and not a single one of them has been caught with any of the prohibited items in the holy Land. They should comply with other rules over there as they have demonstrated here. So I commend them.”
According to him, the Airliner hopes to transport all the allotted pilgrims in 10 flights both day and night based on instructions and collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
One of the pilgrims, Musa Alhassan Turaki from Garun Mallam local government area thanked the Kano state government for the opportunity and hope that almighty Allah will accept all their prayers and supplication, while in the Holy Land.
PIAK
