From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
The first batch of 420 pilgrims from Kebbi State to this year’s Hajj departed the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, with a direct flight to Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims were onboard Flynas Airline, Airbus A380-900 series, and all the pilgrims were in possession of their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash.
Kebbi deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, the State Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera and the Executive Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruq Aliyu Yaro, (Enabo), were at the airport to bid them farewell prior to their departure.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor,Dr. Nasir Idris represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar expressed gratitude to all those who worked hard for making it possible to achieve such feat in the early and smooth evacuation of the pilgrims, by providing the necessary financial and material support to the Pilgrims Agency to perform its functions optimally.
The Amirul Hajj ,who is also Emir Argungu,Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera,confirmed that all processes of the airlift operation of the 3,800 pilgrims from Kebbi have been completed.
“All passports, visas and BTA have been received for the departure of the pilgrims from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state”,
“A total of 420 pilgrims, with equal number between males and females, were airlifted in the maiden flight”, the Emir said.
The Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruq Aliyu Yaro, affirmed that, the airlift operation would continue back-to-back of eight trips non-stop, until all the pilgrims were evacuated to the Holy Land.