Zamfara Hajji Commission Airlifts 2,500 Intending Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia In Six Flights

By Aminu Abdullahi Gusau

A total of 2,500 Zamfara State intending pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia in six plights.

The Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Anas Shuaibu made the disclosure to newsmen today in Gusau, shortly after releasing the six batch of the intending pilgrims to Sultan Abubakar III international Airport Sokoto.

He  said, the Commission had secured all Visas for the 3,100 intending pilgrims from the state adding that, the remaining intending pilgrims  would soon be airlifted to Saudia for the exercise.

According to him, state government had educated its pilgrims about what they suppose to do while in Saudia Arabia adding that, Federal Government Agencies which  include NDLEA, Immigration and Customs have educated the pilgrims about dangers attached to carrying prohibited items.

He further disclosed that, only one woman had been sent back to Nigeria based on passport issue but the problem has been rectified and return to Madina for her Hajj exercise, urging all the  intending pilgrims to have the fear of Allah in their activities while at the holy land.

Alhaji Anas also explained that, Zamfara state had put everything in place to ensure the safety, comfort and welfare of the state pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which decent accommodation were secured both in Madina and Mecca very close to Haramaini mosques.

The Commission's Secretary made it clear that, each flight consists of some officials from the state, medical personnel, Ulamas and other critical stakeholders and each  pilgrim had been vaccinated while females were tested for pregnancy before their departure.

He however urged  them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country in general and to desist from any act that will tarnished their image and that of their nation.

On the challenges facing the exercise  he said,  their challenge now is the hike in petroleum price as they have to transport their pilgrims from Gusau to Sokoto as they don't have airport in the state.

Alhaji Anas also commended the effort of the state Government for the support and cooperation being given to the commission, as well as the security agencies, first aid groups, individuals and other organizations for the smooth conduct of the 2023 Hajj exercise.