By Auwal Mohammad
Gombe (Nigeria) — Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has so far airlifted 1,800 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia since 1st August 2017.
Gombe State leader of the delegation to the 2017 Muslims’ pilgrimage, Haruna Garba, who was briefing journalists said, 6 aircrafts were involved in the movement of the pilgrims to the holy land, adding that, the remaining 300 intending pilgrims would depart this week.
He said essential services that would ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage had been put in place by his team and the board, warning that no intending pilgrims should carry banned items in their luggage.
“Prospective pilgrims should remember that they are individually and collectively representing Nigeria and Gombe State in particular and should present themselves as good ambassadors,”
He also advised them to ensure they abide by all the rules and regulations for a successful and acceptable hajj by Allah and urged them to be good ambassadors and prayerful for the state and the county at large while in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I urge you to be worthy ambassadors of Gombe State and our great country Nigeria by exhibiting high sense of responsibility and dedication to the Almighty Allah.
“You should pray for peace, unity, and prosperity of Gombe state in particular and the county in general and I urge you not to engage in rioting, demonstration or disobedience or disregard to constituted authorities”, he said.
According to him, the state had secured befitting accommodation with good facilities for the pilgrims in Mecca close to the holy Mosque.