Kaduna State has airlifted over 4,000 pilgrims to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year. The last batch of over 300 pilgrims departed with the state’s Amirul Hajj and Emir of Lere, Eng. Sulaiman Umar, and other officials.
Max Air was the designated airline for Kaduna pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has commended officials of the state Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their diligence in ensuring the success of the 2024 Hajj, urging them to ensure the pilgrims get value for their money during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The Amirul Hajj conveyed the governor’s commendation while delivering a farewell message to the last batch of the state pilgrims at the Mando Hajj camp on Monday.
He said that Governor Sani thanked the officials of the agency for getting decent accommodations for the pilgrims at the best bargain, adding that other states had followed that example.
According to him, the agency also got good caterers, in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), that serve good meals for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Engr Umar reminded the intending pilgrims that Hajj is not just a mere journey to the Holy Land but an act of worship which should be performed according to the Islamic injunctions.
He enjoined the intending pilgrims to follow the guidance of preachers and Hajj officials who will also be performing the pilgrimage with them, adding that they should not hesitate to ask questions.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, thanked the governor for giving the agency all the necessary support to perform its duties.
He also commended Kaduna State pilgrims, the airline and officials of the agency for sticking to schedule throughout the Hajj airlift.
In his vote of thanks, Air Vice Marshall Mohammed Dabo (rtd), a member of the board, praised the media for effective coverage and commended personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for screening intending pilgrims promptly.
