BY: MUHAMMAD NURA TSAFE, MINNA
Niger State’s first group of intending pilgrims was airlifted from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.
A total of 424 intending pilgrims, including state officials, were airlifted from the state capital, Minna, after five years, to the holy land.
Addressing the intending pilgrims before departure, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago urged the pilgrims from Mashegu and Mariga local governments in the state to pray for the state in particular and the country in general, for peace and prosperity.
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Bago also advised them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land, explaining that the state government has already paid 200 dollars per pilgrim for Ram slaughtering (Hadiya) and urged them to avoid extravagant spending.
The governor also encouraged them to channel any challenges they might encounter to the State Amirul Hajj or to the Chairman of the Hajj Commission.
He took the opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being instrumental in the completion of the airport terminal, which he said has paved the way for the license to airlift intending pilgrims from Minna to the holy land, an exercise that was last done five years ago.
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The State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kagara, Alh. Ahmed Attahiru Gunna II, expressed gratitude to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his tireless efforts to ensure the safe airlifting of intending pilgrims.
A total of 3,223 intending pilgrims from Niger State are expected to be airlifted for this year’s Hajj exercise, with eight flights scheduled.