First 500 Kwara pilgrims for 2022 Hajj to be airlifted June 16
By Mosunmola Ayobami,Kwara
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board said the first batch of 500 intending pilgrims for the year 2022 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia will take place on June 16th.
Chairman of the Board, Dr Abdulkadir Sambaki stated this at the last enlightenment programme, organised for the intending pilgrims in Ilorin held on Saturday.
Sambaki added that a total of 1,500 pilgrims will engage in this year’s Hajj operation in Kwara, while charging the intending pilgrims to obey the rules and regulations of the exercise and be good ambassadors of the state.
He enjoined all the pilgrims to ensure they have been fully immunised against COVID-19 virus.
Also speaking, the State Amirul-Hajj, Dr Ibrahim Akewusola, admonished the pilgrims to follow the rules laid down by the Board for the smooth exercise.
He warned them against engaging in actions capable of tarnishing the image of the country.
“We enjoined you to avoid fighting with anybody, avoid indecent dressing and avoid use of abusive words in the Holy Land.
“Hajj is not for pomp and pageantry but solely for the worship of Allah. So avoid overspending and acquiring huge loads that may be rejected by your flight while returning,” he said.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Maman Jibril, also called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Islam.
Jibril who represented the state governor advised them to follow the instructions of the Board while in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of the Board, Barr. AbdulGaniyu Ahmed said the state got just 1,500 slots but there are arrangements with private flight operators to get additional 100 slots to make it 1,600.
