It was an atmosphere of joy and tears in Abuja yesterday afternoon as Vice President Namadi Sambo inaugurated the 2011 hajj inaugural flight, which ferried 500 pilgrims from Nasarawa State to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.
The event, which was witnessed by the governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al’Makura, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar EL-Kanemi, FCT minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, Federal Executive Council members, members of National Assembly and officials of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
1500 pilgrims were also airlifted from Lagos, Kogi and Katsina States to Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Performing the flag-off ceremony, Sambo described hajj as a religious obligation and advised the pilgrims to carry out their religious duties as stated in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet in order to achieve an acceptable Hajj.
While addressing the mammoth crowd at the airport, Sambo appealed to the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, take good care of their travel allowances and to pray for peace and development in Nigeria.
In his address, FCT minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, emphasised the key role of airlines in successful hajj operation. He implored them to strictly adhere to the flight schedule in order to enable Nigerians have a smooth and hitch-free exercise.
The governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al Makura commended the government for its continuous support kind gesture especially in reducing hajj fares.
Adding that, “It is a privilege to be the state with the first batch of pilgrims to be airlifted to the holy land.”