Taraba airlifts 1,008 to Saudi Arabia, as Amiru Hajj warns intending pilgrims against contraband

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By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

One thousand and eight intending pilgrims are to depart Jalingo for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, June 4 to perform this year’s Hajj exercise.

Taraba State Amirul-Hajj and leader of delegation, the Lamdo Gashaka Dr. Zubairu Hamman-Gabdo Muhammad Sambo who disclosed this during a farewell address to intending Muslim Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia warned against carrying any contraband to the Holy Land.

The Royal Father who appreciated the State Gov. Dr. Agbu Kefas for appointing him and his team delegation for the enormous task said they have resolved to leave no stone unturned in ensuring hitch-free Hajj operation.

The Lamdo Gashaka further disclosed that the team is working round the clock to ensure that all emerging challenges are surmounted so that intending pilgrims perform their obligation without hindrance.

The Amirul-Hajj revealed that state intending pilgrims have been properly enlightened and were equally provided with logistics, necessary documents and uniforms for easy identification to reduce cases of loss of pilgrims in the Holy land.

 He enjoined the pilgrims and Tarabans all over to continue praying for Gov. Kefas and the state for God’s guidance and wisdom.

Also in a farewell address, state chairman Muslim pilgrims welfare Board, Mal. Umaru Gambo disclosed that the Board has concluded plans for airlifting pilgrims to Mecca.

According to him, the board has issued bags, uniforms and all traveling documents such as E-passports and Visa’s while their basic traveling allowance (BTA) was ready for distribution.

Mal. Gambo called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and pray for Gov. Kefas, peace and unity of the state while in holy land.

On its part, the executive secretary of the board, Mal. Umar Ahmed Chiroma said airlifting of intending pilgrims commenced on Tuesday, 4^th June with over 500 out of 1,008.

He disclosed that the BTA of each pilgrim now goes for Four Hundred US Dollars ($400.00) as against five hundred US Dollars ($500.00), initially earmarked as BTA following the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He urged pilgrims to exhibit a sense of maturity and avoid acts capable of jeopardizing the image of the state as Saudi Arabia Laws are very stiff on offenders and thanked the State Government for prompt support.

Meanwhile, in his address the state Gov. Dr. Agbu Kefas represented by his special adviser Islamic Religion Mal. Hussaini Ismaila urged pilgrims to abide by all the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia.

Kefas Government has taken sponsorship of 117 persons for this year’s Hajj and appointed twenty-one (21) officials including Medical Team with enough funds to purchase drugs to look after their health in Saudi Kingdom while implored them to be worthy of image of the state and the Nation as a whole.

Gov. Kefas urged them to pray fervently for the nation and its leaders for peace and tranquility to reign in the land.