ASHENEWS reports that the first batch of pilgrims from Niger state was on Thursday airlifted to Medinah, Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj exercise.
The over 400 pilgrims boarded at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.
Speaking shortly before their takeoff, the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago expressed delight over the comfort afforded to intending pilgrims by the renovated airport terminal in the state.
“Our pilgrims have suffered year after year of malaise, some people have died on their way to Abuja or other neighbouring states due to accidents but with this now, it has resolved all the problems.
“You can see no pilgrims has stayed four hours in Minna from wherever they came from and they are all boarded and in the next few hours they will be in Madinah and the next flight is going to come and this has opened a way and a window for Nigeria be Niger state.”
The governor who advised the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state also urged them to pray fervently for the prosperity of the country.
The governor equally lauded the federal government for supporting the state government to revive the airport terminal.
“We want to thank God for making this a reality. We also want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this happen. He has supported us to have finished this airport terminal and construction of runway and also, we have been able to get the licenses and permits from all the necessary authorities to make this flight happen,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the state government has paid each pilgrim, $200 for their Hadayah (animal sacrifice).
“We have paid, we don’t want anybody to pay himself. We have upgraded their tents from C to B and provided a lot of logistics and four-star hotels for them,” he said.
Speaking to journalists shortly before the takeoff of the plane, the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kagara, Ahmed Gunna lauded the Niger state government for facilitating the airlifting of pilgrims from the state.
“Previously, we spent days in Abuja and even more in camp before we were airlifted. Today, they are boarding the plane within hours and with ease. This is indeed a blessing and we appreciate the government for it.”
In an earlier statement, the executive secretary of the Board, Muhammad Aliyu disclosed that the second flight was scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2024.
ASHENEWS also gathered that there are a total of 3,223 intending pilgrims from Niger state.
These pilgrims are expected to be airlifted in eight batches.
