Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has urged intending pilgrims from the state to dedicate themselves to acts of worship and maintain discipline while in the Holy Land.
Speaking through his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, during a farewell address to the first batch of pilgrims, the governor emphasized the importance of spiritual focus for the acceptance of Hajj by Allah. He also called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Governor Aliyu warned against any behavior that could tarnish the image of the state and assured the pilgrims that the government would closely monitor their welfare throughout their pilgrimage.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, disclosed that 428 pilgrims from seven local government areas Silame, Sabon Birni, Isa, Dange/Shuni, Gwadabawa, Illela, and Rabah made up the first batch.
The pilgrims departed at exactly 5:40 p.m., witnessed by top government officials including the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, members of the State Executive Council, and the State Hajj delegation led by Alhaji Umaru Kwabo.
