As the first batch of Sokoto state Muslim pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise depart for Saudi Arabia , they have been admonished to pray for the peace, unity as well as more development in the state and country in general.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who also urged the intending pilgrims from the state to abide by the rules and regulations of the Hajj exercise, reaffirmed its significance as one of the five pillars of Islam.
The governor made the remarks Sunday evening while inaugurating the first flight of the intending pilgrims from the state who took off from the Sultan Abubakar III international Airport, Sokoto.
A total of 420 intending pilgrims from Gada, Yabo and Wurno local government areas of the state together with some officials of the state Pilgrims Welfare Agency departed on the first flight from Sokoto to Jeddah.
Subsequently, five flights will convey the entire state contingents numbering over 2000.
Gov. Tambuwal said the state government has done everything possible for the success of the exercise, especially in the areas of guidance on how to perform the Hajj, particularly for those visiting the holy land for the first time, and; general healthcare for the entire pilgrims contingent.
While praying for the successful conduct of the Hajj exercise, the Governor also urged the pilgrims to abide by the COVID-19 protocols and other regulations outlined by the Saudi authority.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar urged the pilgrims to be steadfast in the performance and observance of their worship so as to make it effective.
He also implored them to pray for the successful and hitch free conduct of next year’s general elections and the emergence of good leaders in the state and country in general.
The Sultan thanked the state ulema for their efforts in educating the pilgrims, just as he applauded the state government for its support and cooperation to the Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Also in his address, the leader of the government delegation to the pilgrimage, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly (SOHA), Aminu Manya Achida assured the government of his committee’s commitment for the success of the exercise.
He appealed to the pilgrims to give the committee maximum cooperation to enable it perform its task effectively.
He also urged the intending pilgrims to be thrift with their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).
