‘Pray For Nigeria’ – Uba Sani tells pilgrims, as Kaduna flags off Hajj exercise
Kaduna State Aims to Ensure Seamless Hajj Experience for Pilgrims
Kaduna State is taking significant steps to facilitate a smooth Hajj experience for its pilgrims, according to government officials. Governor Uba Sani has prioritized enhancing the conditions for pilgrims during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, stated that the governor has consistently responded favorably to the agency’s requests. He made these remarks during the flag-off ceremony for the Hajj exercise at the Mando Hajj camp on Wednesday.
Abubakar highlighted that Kaduna State has secured one of the best accommodations in Mecca, located close to the Masjid Al-Haram, or Grand Mosque. He added that pilgrims will be transported from the Hajj Camp to Kaduna International Airport at 2 a.m. using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by Governor Sani.
The Executive Chairman expressed gratitude for the governor’s support in upgrading the agency’s infrastructure, which has transformed the Mando Hajj Camp into a modern facility.
Governor Uba Sani was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who congratulated the intending pilgrims and expressed appreciation for their opportunity to fulfill a key tenet of Islam. She prayed for their safe travel to and from Saudi Arabia and urged them to pray for peace and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Dr. Balarabe noted that the state government has made comprehensive arrangements for the welfare of the pilgrims, from their accommodation at the Mando Hajj Transit Camp to their journey to the Holy Land and back.
She also mentioned the installation of a state-of-the-art ICT center, as well as modern halls and offices at the Hajj camp as part of the facility upgrades.
During the ceremony, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, advised the pilgrims to adhere strictly to Saudi Arabian laws and cautioned against carrying contraband items into the Holy Land. He stated that bringing items such as kola nuts is unnecessary from both a cultural and health standpoint.
The Emir further advised pilgrims to avoid accepting luggage from others, regardless of personal relationships, for safekeeping at either Kaduna airport or airports in Saudi Arabia. He warned that experience indicates that such luggage can sometimes contain illegal drugs, which carry severe penalties, including the death sentence in Saudi Arabia.
