First batch of 560 intending pilgrims from Kwara State have been transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the pilgrims departed the airport onboard Max Airline aircraft at about 12:40pm, Monday.
The departure was witnessed by the Amirul Hajj and the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya, and the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulkadir AbdulSalam and other government functionaries.
Addressing journalists shortly before the departure, Oba Yahaya urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land.
He expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“I thank Almighty Allah because everything went as planned. No hitch whatsoever,” he said.
In his remarks, AbdulSalam said the successful take-off of the inaugural flight was due to the extra efforts by the state government.
He urged the pilgrims to obey the rules and regulations in Saudi Arabia and shun all forms of indiscipline throughout the Hajj exercise.
Similarly, Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board said the first batch of 316 pilgrims have departed to Saudi Arabia.
The Board Chairman, Alhaji Dhikirulahi Chandy-Adam, made this known in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday.
Chandy-Adam, who explained that the pilgrims have already been vaccinated for yellow fever and meningitis, said “In Ondo State, 735 intending pilgrims will go through the state to the holy land.
“The second and third batches will take-off on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively,” he said.
Chandy-Adam, therefore, called on the pilgrims to go along with their faith, believe and fear of Allah for them to have a successful exercise.
The board chairman also urged them to abide by the rules and regulations of the authorities of Saudi Arabia. NAN
