Shettima Inaugurates Air Lifts Of 2024 Nigerian Pilgrims In Kebbi
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday inaugurated the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The event for the first in the history of Kebbi State took place at the sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) granted the hosting right of the inaugural flight to Kebbi State sequel to the uncommon commitment of Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to the success of the 1445AH Hajj season.
Shettima, who was visibly elated, said at the historic event that Hajj is a lifetime opportunity that every Muslim yearns for in life.
According to him, the no fewer than 65,000 intending pilgrims from Nigeria should therefore utilize the golden opportunity for a spiritual rebirth.
The Vice-President also said that as special guests of the Almighty Allah, the prayers of the pilgrims aee very potent.
“You should pray for our committed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other leaders and the country.”
He said that the Federal Government attaches importance of religious pilgrimages due to their myriad of spiritual advantages.
Shetiima added that the government was also ensuring that the 2024 Hajj operations becomes successful as ever.
He declared that men of integrity and huge administrative acumen were chosen to lead Hajj affairs of the country.In his speech, Governor Nasir Idris, said the state government has done all the necessary arrangements to ensure the success of the inaugural flight.
The Governor recalled that his adminstration, among other gestures, paid N1millon to augment the Hajj fares of each of the 3,000 pilgrims from the state.
According to him, he has also directed all political appointees and elected leaders to make arrangements to support the pilgrims during the Hajj operations.
“I have also issued similar directives to all the LGAs in the state so as to ensure to alleviate any problem that the pilgrims may encounter during yhe Hajj,” Dr. Idris said.
He commended Tinubu and Shettima for their invaluable support to the organisation of the 2024 Hajj.
The Governor also lauded NAHCON for choosing Kebbi State for the inguraral flight and acknowledged the support from his team in the state.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar commended Shettima for coming to Birnin Kebbi physically to spearhead the event .
Abubakar also commended Dr. Idris for taking the bold initiative to host the historic event.
He lauded the former Governor of the state, Alhaji Saidu Dakaingari fot buiding the host Airport, even as he urged the pilgrims to positively pray for leaders at all levels, themselves and the nation.
The National Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Arabi had earlier acknowledged the support of Tinubu and Shettima to the commission, saying, “he is ever ready to address all challenges facing our job.
“The new board members are also living above board and this is making our job much easier.”
He extolled Dr. Idris for his uncommon support to ensure the success of the inaugural flight, insisting that all services to be rendered to the pilgrims in the Holy land will be world-class.
Arabi also acknowledged the aspect of his team,various state governments and their PWAs, promising, “we will not let you down.
