By Muhammad A.Yahuza, Sokoto
The last batch of Sokoto State pilgrims numbering 388 have arrived Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, after the completion of this year’s pilgrimage at Saudi Arabia.
The DEFENDER reports that this figure brings the total number of pilgrims from the state to over 4,080 who performed this year’s Hajj.
They were received by the Chairman of the 2017 Hajj Reception Committee Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu assisted by some committee members.
Addressing them immediately on their arrival, the chairman congratulated the returning pilgrims for the successeful completion of the pilgrimage and their safe return.
In his address captured by our Correspobdent, Alhaji Maigwandu said the state government deemed it necessary to give pilgrims a befitting welcome in appreciation of the maturity and discipline they displayed during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, who is also the Sokoto State Commissioner for Rural Development, further stated that the reception committee had made adequate arrangements for their welfare and security of their luggages.
The chairman pointed out that they are expected to be in orderly manner at the luggage collection centres provided, adding that “no luggage will be released to any pilgrim without proper documents.”
In another development the 2017 Hajj reception committee handed over the remaining pilgrims’ luggages to the Director-General of Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for onward distribution to their rightful owners.
Receiving the items, the Director-General commended the committee members for a job well done and promised to take good care of the items.
