The first batch of 400 intending pilgrims from Igabi, Ikara, Giwa and part of Zaria local government areas of Kaduna State will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 hajj exercise on Tuesday.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr Yusuf Yakubu Arrigassiyyu made the disclosure at a meeting with 81 officials of the agency for this year’s exercise.
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He said, “If all the arrangements go as planned, Kaduna pilgrims will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia today (Tuesday) by Azman Air, already the pilgrims are set and waiting to be transported to the holy land.
“As you can see, the pilgrims are already at the Mando Hajj camp; our officials are conducting their final screening and COVID-19 testing, which is mandatory before the airlift.”
He assured that the agency was set to start airlifting, saying, “There was a delay, which was caused by the problem we had with the airline, but this time, we are good to go because there is a confirmation from the airline that we are going to take off beginning from Tuesday.”
He stressed that all officials were mandated to obey rules set for the pilgrims, saying “We will not tolerate any official that contravenes the rules and regulations of engagement as appropriate sanctions will be accorded.”
He clarified that all Kaduna pilgrims would be transported to Saudi Arabia from Kaduna International Airport and not Kano.
He, however, warned medical officials to strictly screen female intending pilgrims and ensure that no pregnant woman was allowed to perform the hajj exercise.
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