Pilgrims' airlift begins ...first batch of 1000 pilgrims flown to Medina

The inaugural flight for this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia was yesterday flagged-off in Kano with Vice President Mohammad Namadi Sambo urging all intending pilgrims to adhere strictly to all Saudi rules and regulations as well as pray for continuous peace in Nigeria.Our correspondent reports that shortly after the ceremony, the first batch of over 1000 intending pilgrims from Kano State were flown directly to Medina by Kabo Air and Max Air. This year's flying of Nigerian pilgrims directly to Medina is the first in history of hajj operation in the country.Flagging-off this year's hajj exercise at a well attended ceremony held at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, the vice president said the call was informed by the need to project the country's good image in the holy land.Represented by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Sambo also said Nigeria needs fervent prayers in view of the current security challenges facing the country.{loadposition user30}Speaking in the same vein, Sultan of Sokoto and National Amirul Hajj Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar said prayer remains the greatest weapon and so all pilgrims from Nigeria should continue to pray for peace and progress in our country.In his remark, Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Malam Musa Bello said yesterday's event marked another milestone in the country's history of hajj operation as some of the Nigerian pilgrims would now land in Medina instead of Jeddah as had been the case several years ago.
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