First Batch Of 560 Nigerian Pilgrims Leave For hajj

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday inaugurated the first flight for the 2023 hajj operation with 560 prospective pilgrims from Nasarawa State.

The inauguration which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport marked the formal commencement of the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The transportation of pilgrims to the Holy land for Hajj 2023 is expected to last for more than 30 days.

Buhari commended the members of the board of NAHCON for their efforts in ensuring successful hajj operations since its inception.

Represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, Buhari said: “NAHCON as presently constituted is doing a very wonderful job.

”I really appreciate that you have been doing so much since you came on board.

“I have been able to see the purposefulness in all the arrangements that you have been making and that you have made so far.”

Buhari also appealed to the board members not to relent their efforts to make the 2023 hajj operation a huge success.

The president said: “It is not just enough but that you should maintain the momentum.

”It is very key after this ceremony, let this be the beginning of the job which is the welfare and well-being of the pilgrims.

“You have to assist them to perform an acceptable hajj.

“Most of them might not have been to school and didn’t understand the Saudi language and norms.

”Therefore, their entire lives are under you and you have to work harder to ensure that they are comfortable.”

Buhari, who enjoined the commission to take its responsibility seriously, warned that there was very little room for any excuses.

He added: “You have been given all the support that you asked for in order to ensure that you have a very smooth operation.

“I am happy to hear that all the agencies of government have given you all the cooperation that you need to enable you to succeed.”

Buhari admonished the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in Saudi Arabia, saying,”each and every one of you should represent the best of what the Islam stands for.