Sambo Flags-off 2013 Airlift Of Hajj Pilgrims In Borno

Vice President Namadi Sambo, is expected to flag-off the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2013 Hajj at the Maiduguri International Airport, today.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi has been appointed as the National Amirul Hajj for this year's pilgrimage.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubukar and Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and other top government functionaries and traditional rulers are expected to grace the flag-off ceremony.

A statement signed by Isa Umar Gusau, spokesman of Governor Kashim Shettima said the Vice President will also commission the newly constructed ultra modern complex of the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board situated on the airport road in Maiduguri.

"The Vice President's visit, the second in 2013 to Borno State, is an honour that reassures and boosts the confidence of Borno's citizens especially at the time peace has returned to Maiduguri and also emerging in other parts of the state.

"Governor Shettima joins the Vice President in wishing Nigeria a successful Hajj operation and wishes all pilgrims across the country, a safe trip and Hajj 'Mabroor' so that they attain the spiritual height that is desired," the statement said.

About 76,000 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year's hajj from Nigeria.

Also, the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board has said it would put in place informal court in the holy land to "try" recalcitrant pilgrims who circumvent the rules during the 2013 pilgrimage exercise.

Speaking with Weekly Trust shortly after a special prayer/enlightenment programme organised by the board on Friday for intending pilgrims, The Executive Secretary of the Board, Hajia Fatima Abolore Jimoh also disclosed that the first batch of Kwara pilgrims would take off from Ilorin International Airport on Saturday.

No fewer than 547 intending pilgrims whose names were pasted at the board yesterday would be airlifted by Kabo Airline while the airlift of all the pilgrims totalling 1,905 would complete on Also speaking, the state Amirul Hajj, former President of Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi advised the intending pilgrims to handle their money and valuables with care to avoid theft, warning them not to beg for alms in the holy land. He charged them to comply with the rules and regulations stipulated to them.

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