By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
Governor of Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, Hon Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has charged intending pilgrims to pray fervently for the restoration of peace and tranquility in all parts of the state and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
The Governor gave the charge Friday, while bidding farewell to 1,303 pilgrims, who will perform this year’s Hajj in the Holy Land of Makkah.
Governor Bello Matawalle said Zamfara needed prayers against the menace of insecurity bedeviling the state, hence the need for the intending pilgrims to pray for peace to return sustainably in all parts of the state.
The Shettiman Sokoto also called on them to be good Ambassadors of Zamfara State and respect constituted authorities of both Nigeria and the host country of Saudi Arabia while in the Holy Land.
He said his administration had provided all necessary assistance in terms of logistics and support to the state pilgrims for them to perform the Hajj exercise with ease.
According to him, the state government has provided brand new vehicles for the transportation of the intending pilgrims right from Gusau, the state capital, to the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto for their onward journey to Saudi Arabia, in addition to the provision of befitting accommodation in Madinah, Mecca, Minna and Arafat as well as other welfare packages for the comfort of the pilgrims.
He added that his administration had sponsored Islamic scholars, medical personnel and other officials that would guide them on tenets of Hajj exercise right here at home and in the Holy Land.
The governor also called on the state government delegation to this year’s Hajj and the state Hajj commission to intensify efforts in ensuring successful conduct of the religious operation that helps the Muslims fulfill the fifth pillar of their faith after Kalimatu Shaadah, Salat, Fasting and Zakat.
In her remarks, the first lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Aisha Bello Matawalle, enjoined the intending pilgrims to be law abiding and obey the rules of Saudi Arabian Authorities just as the people of Zamfara State have known for over the years.
Hajiya Aisha Bello Matawalle, while wishing the intending pilgrims acceptable Hajj exercise, urged women pilgrims to be extra careful with their Basic Travell Allowance (BTA) and offer special prayers for the state.
Earlier, the leader of the state government delegation to this year’s Hajj and speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Nasiru Muazu Magarya, informed the Governor that his committee had concluded all necessary arrangements for airlift of the state pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Hon Magarya said a total of 1,303 intending pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj exercise from the state and commended the Governor for his support to them.
The first batch of Zamfara State pilgrims to depart for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Sultan Abubakar International Airport Sokoto were from Anka, Bakura, Birnin Magaji, Bukkuyum, Maradun, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara, Tsafe, Shinkafi and Maru Local Government Areas, according to a statement by Jamilu Iliyasu Birni Magaji, the Press Secretary to the Zamfara State Governor and copy of which was handed to our Correspondent in Gusau on Friday.
