Hajj: First Batch Of Nigerians Leave For Medina

First batch of Nigerians for the Hajj 2017 have left Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory for Medina, aboard a Saudi Arabian airliner, Flynas.

The flight took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday afternoon.

Chairman of National Hajj Commission if Nigeria, NAHCON, Abdullahi Muktar, said about 79,000 pilgrims have so far registered to participate in this year’s exercise.

60,000 are from the 36 states, FCT and the armed forces, while over 19,000 are registered by Independent Tour Operators, Muktar said.

The ceremony was flaged-off by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mohammed Bello.

Mr. Osinbajo called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the nation and urged them to pray for the prosperity of Nigeria.

“You represent the largest, single group of Nigerians leaving the shores of the country within a specific time.

“You are all ambassadors of this great country, you should, therefore, conduct yourself with the fear of Allah.

“Please pray for our country, our leaders, our dear president so that he can come back safely to continue to steer the country,” he said.

The Acting President also urged pilgrim officials to “officiate with good conduct, fear of God and know that you are a unique set of people. If you serve the people well, God will reward you here and the hereafter”.