Hajj 2018: Kaduna Governor tasks pilgrims to be good ambassadors

Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai has tasked intending pilgrims from the State to be good ambassadors by abiding strictly to the rules and regulations of Saudi government.
He said this while addressing the first batch of 2018 intending pilgrims who left for Jeddah Airport this morning from Kaduna International Airport abound Max Airline.
According to the Governor, “Kaduna State is known for order and discipline and I can say that, the intending pilgrims have exhibited that since in camp. I urge you all also to exhibit the good conducts in Saudi Arabia by being good ambassadors of Kaduna and Nigeria in general.”
The Governor explained that, over the years, hajj operations in Nigeria have remained an enigma with every year springing different surprises for stakeholders to deal with.
“Our government has put in place measures which has improved the management of hajj affairs and consequently, strengthened its operations,” he said.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Balarabe Abbas, El-Rufai said even though the number of intending pilgrims for this year has been slashed by two, it makes it easier for the State to handle and achieve good results.
“Last year, the State recorded the highest number of pilgrims in the country with a total number of 6,713 of which majority were farmers. “However, due to low price of agriculture products, the number has dropped to 3,200 this year. The State still has the highest number of pilgrims when compared to other State and this can be attributed to hard work exhibited by the pilgrim board staff,” he said.
The Overseer, Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Husayn Ikara disclosed that about 560 intending pilgrims who left the country  for Saudi Arabia at around 9:28am had 371 males and 189 females from both Zaria and Giwa Local Government Areas with 10 officials.
“The next batch of intending pilgrims will be airlifted when we secure their visas and also have details of the flight that will be made available to convey them to the holy land,” he mentioned.
The Overseer said, the pilgrims were supposed to have left Wednesday but due to some challenges which were resolved, they had to be airlifted this morning.
An intending pilgrim, Ibrahim Shehu Musa, who is a first timer, expressed happiness over the trip and also appreciated the pilgrims’ board’s efforts for being diligent and prompts in its activities.
Sammie Idika
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