….. intending pilgrims vaccination kicks off
From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera who is also State Amirul Hajj has disclosed that the state government has taken possession of passports and visas of 3,800 intending pilgrims from the state who are planning to depart to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
Mera who stated this during an inaugural meeting between members of the government delegation and officials of the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency, in Birnin Kebbi, explained that total of 3,800 intending pilgrims from the state have fully paid their fares for the spiritual journey.
The Monarch affirmed that the batch of pilgrims has been scheduled to depart the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, on the 9th of May, after which subsequent airlift would follow progressively.
“All arrangements have been concluded for the evacuation of pilgrims that will proceed without break until conclusion. Pilgrims will receive their Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, in cash (Saudi Riyal) under present system beginning this Hajj)”,
“The objective is to curtail sharp practices and shortchanging of pilgrims in the course of currency exchange, here and in Saudiyya”,
The comfort of pilgrims is of paramount importance to the government, necessary accommodation has been secured for them in the Holy Land”,
“We thank Governor Nasir Idris for reposing confidence in us, and affording members of the delegation an opportunity to serve the people”,
“As the Amirul Hajj, I am affirming our commitment to partner with the Pilgrims Agency to ensure the smooth conduct of the Pilgrimage both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia”, the Emir said.
Mera advised members of the government delegation and officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency to work in unison and unity with the fear of GOD, to protect the rights and privileges of the pilgrims in consonance with the objective of Governor Nasir Idris for the conduct of the best Hajj operation.
While welcoming the Amirul Hajj and his team, the Executive Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, pledged absolute cooperation with the government’s delegation to ensure the most successful Hajj exercise unprecedented in the state.
He described the Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Argungu, as his mentor and confidant, expressing gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for appointing the right calibre of personalities to serve on the government’s delegation for optimal performance.
“Your Royal Highness, you’ve been involved in Hajj operations in the past with resounding success and excellence, the Governor is aware of your credentials which motivated him to appoint you again for this onerous task because you can deliver”, Faruk remarked.
The Chairman, gave an assurance that accommodation and other necessities including transport and feeding have been secured in the Holy Land.
“The airline of last year, ‘Flynas’, is similarly engaged for the airlift operation of Kebbi pilgrims this Hajj. Ten trips will be carried out as from the 9th of May, 2025, airlifting 420 pilgrims in batches, directly from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, to Madinah in Saudi Arabia, until all the 3,800 pilgrims are evacuated”,
“All requirements needed of aviation facilities at the airport has been provided by our charismatic governor, Comrade Nasir Idris”,
“These include fuel dump for aircraft refuelling which has been operational since the 2024 Hajj operation for smooth and hitch free exercise”, Faruk narrated.
At the Hajj camp Birnin Kebbi this Monday, vaccination was administered on the Amirul Hajj and other members of the government delegation by medical personnel to signal the commencement of the vaccination exercise for other pilgrims and they were presented with the “Yellow Card” as required by domestic and international law.