Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday started the process for the airlift of a total of 79,000 pilgrims who are travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 hajj.

The first batch of pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory were admonished by senior government officials and religious leaders during a ceremony that held at the departure lounge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to be good ambassadors of the country in Saudi Arabia.

Of the total number of pilgrims travelling for this year’s hajj, 60,000 are from various states of the federation and the FCT, while about 19,000 others were classified as those under private operators.

Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, described the first airlift of pilgrims as the beginning of more work for NAHCON officials and those working in agencies at the airports where the exercise would hold.

He said, “The message of the government to the pilgrims is that you represent the largest single group of Nigerians that are leaving the shores of Nigeria to a foreign land within a very restricted short period of time. So, each of you is an ambassador of this country and we appeal to you to conduct yourselves as good ambassadors of Nigeria.”Drinosblog reports


According to Drinosblog reports, The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NAHCON, Abdullahi Muhammed, said the ceremony at the NAIA marked the beginning of the 2017 hajj airlift exercise, adding that this year’s Hajj had special and peculiar challenges.

He said, “The challenge of the increase in the 2017 hajj fare has come, but with Allah’s guidance and support, a lot of Nigerians are able to make it for the hajj. As we speak, it will interest you to note that we are expecting over 60,000 Nigerian pilgrims that will perform the hajj under the state governments’ quota.

“And about 19,000 are also expected to perform the Hajj under the private tour operators. This number is unprecedented in view of the global economic recession which is not only affecting Nigeria but many other countries that will be performing the Hajj.”

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, told the pilgrims not to travel with prohibited items to Saudi Arabia.


http://drinosblog..co.ke/2017/07/2017-hajj-osinbajo-inaugurates-airlift.html

LALASTICLALA FYNESTBOI MYND44

God bless The ag president.

Wandering Potor goats are cursed.

Amarabe where u dey ooo...

Begin pack portmanteau and bring ya biafran passport. You will be the first Biafran to ever enter Mecca. The whole world go hear am.

potor potor miscreant will come here to wail.
Let's wait and see their flat head