By KEMI KASUMU
The second and third batches of Nigerian pilgrims from Nasarawa State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), respectively, were inspected Friday as par the readiness of their flights were inspected by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullahi Hassan before their departure from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims will be flown by Max Air and FlyNas, correspondingly, and straight to the Prince Mohammad bin AbdulAziz International Airport, Madinah for 2022 Hajj.
The DEFENDER reported earlier that the first such flight was flagged off at the Maiduguri International Airport on Thursday and that the pilgrims, whose flight was cleared to land at the King AbdulAziz International Airport Jeddah, landed and were moved immediate by luxury bus to Madinah on Siyara, visit to the Holy Mosque of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
According to Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director Public Affairs of NAHCON, in a statement she sent to The DEFENDER on Friday, the NAHCON boss proceeded to the Hajj Terminal of the Abuja Airport to monitor progress of the screening and other arrangements on ground, immediately after landing from Maiduguri where President Muhammadu Buhari represented by Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Umara Zulum performed the flag off ceremony for the inaugural flight activity on Thursday June 9, 2022.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Hajj Terminal, the NAHCON chairman, Hassan, addressed the pilgrims during which he assured them that his team had worked hard to make sure they get the proper reception they deserved and throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman admonished them and prayed for their safe journey. He was accompanied by the NAHCON Commissioner representing North Central, Hajiya Halima Jibrin; Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rabi’u Kontagora; Director Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Aliyu Shamaki; Deputy Director Finance, Hajiya Hauwa Bello; Legal Adviser, Alhaji Usman Mamza; Deputy Director Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Mustapha; Deputy Director Special Duties, Bashir Jazuli, Deputy Director Aviation, Engr Goni Sanda among others.
Alhaji Hassan also visited the FCT Hajj camp where he inspected proceedings at the campground. The Chairman strongly encouraged staff of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Immigration as well as all other camp and airport screening agents to do a thorough job to avoid any embarrassment in the holy land.
Other photographs from the event:
