Press release
The first batch of 410 pilgrims from Kebbi State who performed this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia are back home.
The pilgrims, from Arewa and Jega Local Government Areas, touched down at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, by 9.42 pm on Saturday aboard Flynas Airline A330 – 900 Airbus.
Their arrival marked the commencement of home bound journey of Nigerian Pilgrims from the Holy Land to country, as Kebbi State was the launch pad for the airlift operation to the Hajj one month ago.
All males and females who disembarked the aircraft were in good condition of health and appeared well fed.
A female pilgrim, Hajiya Barakah Maishanu, was full of appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris who facilitated their comfortability and care through the Pilgrims Welfare Agency during their stay in Makkah and Madinah as well as their safe return to Kebbi.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad and the Accountant General of the State, Alhaji Bello Ibrahim Nahaliku, all returnees from the Hajj poured encomiuns on the state Governor, Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu for providing the wherewithal for the success of the pilgrimage from inception to conclusion.
Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu conveyed the fraternal greetings of Governor Nasir Idris to the people of Kebbi State for their support and loyalty to his administration, acknowledging the everlasting goodwill of the people to him as their leader.
Speaking to Newsmen shortly after the arrival of the pilgrims, Chairman of the 12 member reception Committee, the State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, who led the welcoming party to receive the pilgrims, was highly elated about the smooth conduct of the Hajj operation.
“A total of 410 pilgrims came back to Kebbi this night, (Saturday, 22/6/2024), as you can see, they are in good health and were evacuated together with their luggage from Saudi Arabia back home”,
“We thank ALLAH for HIS Bountiful Mercy, and also commend our compassionate Governor, Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris, for his charisma and love for his people in all spheres of life”,
“He has high regard for Religious Matters as basic foundation for a decent and prosperous society. The Governor has been in the forefront to ensuring the smooth conduct and success of the Hajj operation, which we are celebrating today”,
“Kebbi commenced the outward journey to the Hajj 2024 and the first to start the return airlift. Kauran Gwandu deserves our commendation and prayers for success, guidance and wisdom from the ALMIGHTY GOD in steering the affairs of our dear state to fruition”, Alhaji Bena remarked.
The Chairman, reception committee, announced that the second batch of Pilgrims have been scheduled to land at the airport this Sunday.
Signed,
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity
22/6/2024
