By Adebayo Abubakar
The first batch of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia that participated in this year’s pilgrimage from Kwara State arrived Ilorin International Airport safely today.
The pilgrims departed Jeddah International Airport, with 541 pilgrims on board including 10 NAHCON officials about 5:30am in the morning Saudi Arabian time; they were received by friends, family, well wishers and some officials of the board.
Speaking on the exercise, the Special Assistant Religion to the State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Maigoro who is still in the holy land commended the State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the Amir-ul Hajj, Dr. Awa Ibrahim Akewusola for providing adequate logistics for the pilgrims.
Alhaji Dan Maigoro also praised the pilgrims for the patience and for their behaviours while in the holy land, they offered special prayers for peace and security to reign in the state and the entire nation, more so that Nigerians are preparing for a general election.
The Executive Secretary of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barrister Abdulganiyu Ahmed assured that all arrangements is being put in place to ensure smooth airlift of the remaining pilgrims, while assuring that, the second batch are expected to be airlifted home on the 26th of this month.
In his remarks, the state Amirul Hajj, Dr Awa Akewusola described this year’s pilgrimage as hitch free more so that there is no case of any missing pilgrim or casualty.
