On Wednesday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The event, a first in the history of Kebbi State, took place at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) granted the hosting right of the inaugural flight to Kebbi State due to the uncommon commitment of Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to the success of the 1445AH Hajj season.
Shettima, visibly elated, said at the historic event that Hajj is a lifetime opportunity that every Muslim yearns for.
He urged the more than 65,000 intending pilgrims from Nigeria to utilize the golden opportunity for spiritual rebirth.
The Vice-President also said that as special guests of Almighty Allah, the prayers of the pilgrims are very potent.
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“You should pray for our committed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other leaders, and the country.”
He emphasized that the Federal Government attaches importance to religious pilgrimages due to their myriad spiritual advantages.
Shettima added that the government was ensuring that the 2024 Hajj operations become as successful as ever.
He declared that men of integrity and huge administrative acumen were chosen to lead Hajj affairs in the country.
In his speech, Governor Nasir Idris said the state government had made all the necessary arrangements to ensure the success of the inaugural flight.
The Governor recalled that his administration, among other gestures, paid N1 million to augment the Hajj fares of each of the 3,000 pilgrims from the state.
According to him, he has also directed all political appointees and elected leaders to make arrangements to support the pilgrims during the Hajj operations.
“I have also issued similar directives to all the LGAs in the state to alleviate any problems that the pilgrims may encounter during the Hajj,” Dr. Idris said.
He commended Tinubu and Shettima for their invaluable support in organizing the 2024 Hajj.
The Governor also lauded NAHCON for choosing Kebbi State for the inaugural flight and acknowledged the support from his team in the state.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, commended Shettima for physically coming to Birnin Kebbi to spearhead the event.
Abubakar also commended Dr. Idris for taking the bold initiative to host the historic event.
He praised the former Governor of the state, Alhaji Saidu Dakaingari, for building the host Airport, and urged the pilgrims to pray positively for leaders at all levels, themselves, and the nation.
The National Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Arabi, had earlier acknowledged the support of Tinubu and Shettima to the commission, saying, “he is ever ready to address all challenges facing our job.
“The new board members are also living above board, and this is making our job much easier.”
He extolled Dr. Idris for his uncommon support to ensure the success of the inaugural flight, insisting that all services rendered to the pilgrims in the Holy land would be world-class.
Arabi also acknowledged his team, various state governments, and their PWAs, promising, “we will not let you down.”
