•Hajj pilgrims
The inaugural flight of intending pilgrims from Kano has been scheduled for May 14 from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano with over 300 contingents onboard Max air.
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, made the official disclosure during the closure of Hajj Induction Course yesterday, reports The Guardian.
Matawalle revealed that flight schedule released by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), indicated that over 3,000 intending pilgrims will be conveyed to Saudi Arabia within 5 days of operations.
The board DG pointed out that all necessary arrangements have been concluded ahead of the departure, reminding intending pilgrims to adhere strictly to detains on their flight schedule.
According to him, participating pilgrims have received necessary orientation on the tenet of Hajj exercise however appealed for compliance to rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia during and after the pilgrimage.
The DG, further disclosed arrangement on transportation, accommodation, feeding, logistics and other welfare related services have been secured in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims’ seamless religious devotion.
He applauded the state government for providing support and enabling environment to deliver on pilgrims welfare and other administrative services in Nigeria and at the holy land.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan, urged pilgrims to regularly review their Hajj induction materials at home for their own benefit.
He also advised them to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set by both the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities throughout the pilgrimage.
Professional admonition were also offered by Nigerian Immigration Service, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, National Orientation Agency NAO, Hajj Tribunal and other agencies.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,111 pilgrims’ have departed Nigeria from across five states of the Federation since the airlift commenced on Sunday, May 3.
According to NAHCON command and control, airlift operation which commenced in Namadi Azikuwe International Airport, also covered pilgrims departure from Kebbi, Ogun and Lagos, indicating a multi-location rollout.
The distribution of pilgrims shows a higher number of male pilgrims of 1,242 compared to female pilgrims which stood at 869.
