As Bauchi State begins the airlift of intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has directed the pilgrims to be law-abiding before, during and after the exercise.
The governor made the appeal while bidding farewell to the state contingent of intending pilgrims at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Pilgrims Camp in Bauchi.
He assured the pilgrims that the state government in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) made all the necessary arrangements to guarantee their welfare while in the Holy Land.
Governor Bala Mohammed asked the pilgrims to pray fervently for peace and stability to reign in the country in general and Bauchi State in particular.
The executive secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris expressed delight at the smooth beginning of the exercise.
He said the first pilgrims to be airlifted were from the Ningi, Ganjuwa, and Hajj Saving Scheme and that the Board has shown maturity and respect, urging subsequent intending pilgrims to emulate the positive behaviour.
The executive secretary appreciated Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad for his special interest in the welfare of the intending pilgrims, saying that the Board will continue to be grateful for the support which guarantees the well-being of pilgrims.
Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP reports that the first set of 528 intending pilgrims from Bauchi departed the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 3:16 am on Tuesday for Jeddah.
