Hajj 2022: Nigerian pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia  

The first batch of Nigerian pilgrims have arrived the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2022 hajj.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

*NAHCON C&C*
Salam, Today 09/06/22, MaxAir flight VM1001 departed Maiduguri to Jeddah 17:31hrs with 516 Borno pilgrims and 13 Officials.
M=327 , F=189
Total airlift=516
Total flights=01 pic.twitter.com/uZfS6LeJwn

— Nigeria Hajj Commission (@nigeriahajjcom) June 9, 2022

“I call on all our 43,008 intending pilgrims to maximize this special opportunity on acts of ibada and to avoid any action that would be detrimental to their Hajj and to the image of Nigeria.

Fortunately, all of you here present will be the first set of pilgrims from Nigeria to arrive Saudi Arabia for the Hajj season. I therefore encourage you to exhibit exemplary conduct, setting the pace for others to emulate. Remember that first impression matters, hence, you should understand that you carry the responsibility of projecting a positive image of your country in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The way you set the pace will determine henceforth the kind of welcome treatment your fellow citizens will receive.

“I therefore appeal to you to abide by the regulations of Saudi Arabia, a country that is doing its possible best to give you the finest hospitality as Guests of ArRahman. I appeal to you to respect instructions of your pilgrims’ officials because they are your guides and have been instructed on the needful. I beseech you to recall that this Hajj is a peculiar one because of the pandemic. As such, I hasten to advise you to abide strictly by all health regulations while in the Kingdom and even after your return.

“Finally, let me implore you to pray for the peace, prosperity, security, and unity of Nigeria, after you pray for yourselves and your families. Please, pray for the successful transition of this government to the next as we face another electioneering year.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum flagged-off the first batch of the 2022 Hajj Pilgrimage in Maiduguri the Borno State capital with 546 intending Pilgrims to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Governor Zulum said: Mr. president wants to express his immense gratitude to the NAHCON Chairman and his team for a good and possible Airlift of the first batch of this year Hajj Pilgrims to the Holy kingdom of Saudi.

“In the past 2 consecutive years due to the global covid-19 pandemic it compelled the kingdom of Saudi to restrict the number of Pilgrims to only its citizens, but the recent improve situation of the pandemic globally the kingdom find it necessary to allow a certain number of Pilgrims to perform this year’s Hajj which includes Nigeria we are grateful to Almighty Allah to witness this event the flagging off of this year’s Airlift Pilgrims.“

Mr. President urge the intending Pilgrims to be good ambassadors and conduct themselves in an orderly manner as Hajj, being an act of worship requires patience self restraint and discipline.

“I will also call on the Nigerian Hajj Commission of Nigeria and all critical stakeholders in the Hajj operation to step up and ensure the success of the 2022 operation.“

The first flight conveyed over five hundred pilgrims from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital in North-East Nigeria to the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims includes some officials of the National Hajj commission as well as the state Pilgrims Welfare Boards.