By Usman Gwadabe
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has so far airlifted 23,493 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 2024 Hajj exercise.
According to the NAHCON Control Centre Abuja, the 54 flight departed with 549 Kano State pilgrims to Jeddah.
A source from Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board to The Triumph revealed that all the pilgrims landed safely.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusif today inaugurated the first flight of the state pilgrims intending to perform this year’s Hajj exercises.
Governor Yusif called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors in the holy land and to pray for the state and the nation in general.
In his speech, Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa, stated that this flight contained pilgrims from four local governments in the state.
Gwale Local Government has 175 pilgrims,92 males and 83 females; Dala 119, 62 males and 57 females; Ungogo 106, 67 males and 39 females and Fagge 135 with 68 males and 67 females.
He added that Center 45 has 5 males pilgrims, revealing that nine among them are government officials overseeing the activities of the pilgrims.
The director general disclosed that Max Air flight will transport a total of 549 pilgrims to King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Alhaji Danbappa added that the state government, under the able leadership of Governor Yusif completed all necessary arrangements.
He expressed his appreciation to the governor for the welfare of the pilgrims, including the subsidized Hajj fare of N500,000 each, a top-up of Basic Travelling Allowance totaling over N367 million , and an additional 100 Saudi Riyals given to all pilgrims.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Yusif Lawan had mentioned that after all home arrangements, the state government has provided a conducive atmosphere in the holy land, including accommodations, transportation, food, and medicine.
A statement issued by Sulaiman A. Dederi, the spokesman of the board said Lawan commended Governor Yusif for his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.