FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, gave this assurance while addressing the first batch of 410 pilgrims to the holy land at the Permanent Hajj camp, Bassan, Abuja.
The minister said despite the new policies introduced by Saudi Arabia and relevant authorities after the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, the FCTA was proactive in ensuring that all intending pilgrims complied with relevant policies to participate in the spiritual exercise.
She enjoined the pilgrims to pray for Nigeria to overcome all its challenges.
”For this country to come out of these various predicaments, the importance of your prayers cannot be over emphasized. It is in this regard, I urge you all to reciprocate this kind gesture extended to you by being good Ambassadors of the FCT and the country at large.
“Pray for the peaceful coexistence of our dear nation as one entity. Always remember that you have no other country to call your own than Nigeria,” she added.
In his remarks, Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Malam Muhammad Nasiru Danmallam, said the board had approved a total number of 1,995 pilgrims from FCT to perform this year’s hajj.
He warned that the board would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from the officials selected for exercise.