By: Gbenga Akingbule
At least 546 intending Muslim Pilgrims heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2022 Hajj exercise were on Thursday airlifted from the Maiduguri International Airport in Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the intending pilgrims are among the first batch of 43,000 Nigeria pilgrims scheduled to perform the 2022 Hajj exercise after two years owing to Covid19 pandemic restrictions.
At the flag-off ceremony held in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, President Muhammadu Buhari charged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of their country and conduct themselves orderly.
Represented by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, the president reminded the intending pilgrims of the importance of Hajj to every Muslim that can afford it and requested them to pray for the peace of Nigeria.
“May I, therefore, appeal to all our intending pilgrims to be mindful of our predicament and remain prayerful for the attainment of peace in the country.
“let me use this opportunity to urge you to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the Holy Land and conduct yourselves in an orderly manner. Hajj, being an act of worship also entails hardship which requires patience, great sacrifice, self-restraint and discipline.
From Right- Representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Babagana Zulum, Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur and His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al – Amin El-kenemi at the occasion.
“I, therefore, call upon you to obey all the Covid19 protocols as it is meant to protect you and other citizens throughout your stay in the holy land,” Buhari said.
The President who commended the National Hajj Commission ( NAHCON) urged them and other critical stakeholders to ensure that the 2022 Hajj is successful.
The NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support to NAHCON and assured that the airlifting of pilgrims will be concluded in good time.
“With the cooperation of all pilgrims, we will In-Sha – Allah conclude Hajj airlift despite the obvious time constraints,” Alhaji Hassan said.
Naziru Saiidu and his wife, Jumai
Naziru Saiidu and his wife Jumai were visibly excited as they made their way to board their flight after waiting for three years to perform the hajj which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
“I’m the happiest person here, I had paid the airfare for me and my wife but due to Covid19, we waited endlessly until now, I’m so happy we’re going to the holy land. We will pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria and Borno State in particular,” Saiidu said.
The Deputy Governor of Borno, Hon Usman Kadafur revealed that over 1300 pilgrims from Borno State are expected to perform the 2022 Haj exercise.
