CurrentReport Blog The first flight carrying the 2024 intending pilgrims from Nigeria touched down in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. This significant event was confirmed in a statement issued by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.
The inaugural flight, comprising prospective pilgrims from Jega and Arewa Local Government Areas, also included officials from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Hajj Guides). This marks the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season, which sees thousands of Nigerian Muslims travel to the holy cities of Madina and Mecca.
In interviews conducted with some of the pilgrims, there was a unanimous expression of gratitude towards the state governor and the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo. The pilgrims praised their efforts in ensuring the smooth take-off of this inaugural flight.
Alhaji Hussaini Abubakar Giro Argungu, a board member of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed his thanks to God for granting them a safe journey. He also commended the cabin crew of the Saudi Arabian airline for their hospitality, noting that passengers were well-catered for with food and other amenities during the flight.
“The commitment of Saudi Airliners towards ensuring a hitch-free journey is commendable,” Giro Argungu remarked. He also extended his gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their warm reception, which included providing VIP transportation to various five-star hotels for the pilgrims.
Giro Argungu encouraged Nigerian pilgrims to take advantage of their proximity to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Mosque by attending the five daily prayers, emphasizing the spiritual benefits. “Praying in the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Mosque earns a reward equivalent to 1,000 prayers in other mosques around the world, except for the Harami and Baitul Muqaddas mosques,” he noted.
Alhaji Isa Assalafi, a member of the 2024 Hajj Committee in Kebbi State, attributed the success of the Hajj operations to the relentless efforts of Governor Nasir Idris. He praised the governor for his decisive actions in approving Hajj-related matters and for appointing Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo as the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
