From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri 

Borno State Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, alongside the Chairman of Borno State Pilgrims Committee, Senator Kaka Lawan (SAN), Monday, bade farewell to the first set of pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

While at the Maiduguri International Airport, Kadafur, accompanied by Borno’s 2025 Amirul Hajj, Senator Lawan, and other members of the committee, wished the intending pilgrims a safe and successful trip from Maiduguri to the holy land for a successful hajj.

He also called on them to use this period to pray for peace, unity and progress of Borno and Nigeria at large.

The deputy governor notef that the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum had been tirelessly working and engaging  relevant agencies and institutions to ensure a hitch-free hajj.

In his remark, Senator Lawan assured of a successful hajj, hinting that Governor Zulum had provided the necessary support and logistics to ensure that pilgrims enjoy their stay. 

He called on all intending pilgrims to use the period to pray for the state, as the governor is  engaged with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace and development in the state.

In a similar development, Executive Chairman of  Yobe State Pilgrims Commission, Alhaji Mai Aliyu has urged intending pilgrims from the state to be law abiding while in Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.

Aliyu made the call  at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri.

He said as good ambassadors of the state and the country in general, the pilgrims are expected to shun any act that could tarnish the good image of the state.

According to him, pilgrims from Yobe are always known for their good conduct right from when they are in Saudi Arabia and up to the time they return  to Nigeria.

He also encouraged them to focus on their act of worship while in the holy land of Mecca, emphasising the sanctity of the city as the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Aliyu said the present administration had provided all that was required by the State Pilgrims Commission to ensure a hitch-free exercise, stressing that this had been the bedrock of  the successes recorded in  previous hajj operations.

He also advised them to avoid unnecessary noise or disputes and to treat one another with respect, keeping in mind the spiritual significance of their journey.