Borno, Yobe Inaugurate Hajj Committees, Bar Pregnant Women, The Aged

GOVERNORS Kashim Shettima and Ibrahim Gaidam of Borno and Yobe states have inaugurated two Almirul hajj committees that would ensure hitch-free airlifting of over 5,000 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this month, warning that pregnant women and Muslims beyond the age of 75 are not allowed to participate in the hajj exercise.Borno Deputy Governor, Zannah Umar Mustapha and the Emir of Jajere,Alhaji Hamza Buba Masio, are to head the committees and appointed bythe governors as the states' Almiruls.Inaugurating the committee yesterday in Maiduguri, Governor Shettimadisclosed that N180 million has been earmarked for the pilgrims' accommodation in Saudi Arabia, assuring that this years' hajj exercise will be hitch-free, as a three-star hotel with three apartments has been rented.'This year's hajj exercise will be free of rancor and bitterness as all measures have been taken by the state government to ensure the welfare and safety of the over 3,000 intending pilgrims from Borno State,' he said.On his part, Governor Gaidam while inaugurating the hajj committee at theGovernment House, Damaturu, said that besides the subsidization of pilgrims' accommodation in Saudi Arabia, they are also to enjoy free feeding, healthcare and rams while in Muna and at Mount Arafat.While urging the emir to justify the confidence reposed in him for a hitch-free hajj exercise, Gaidam said: 'This administration is determined to support and assist you and other committee members to overcome the challenges of hajj exercise.The intending pilgrims should pray for the good health and prosperity of all our people, including the state and the country at large.'The airlifting of 5, 000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from the MaiduguriInternational Airport has been slated for Monday, October 10.
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