By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency has disclosed that the airlift for intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj will begin on May 23^rd, 2024.

Max Air has been designated as the official carrier for the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims to the Holy Land this year.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi, said that the date was set in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the state agency, and representative of the airline.

It will be recalled that last November, Governor Uba Sani established a committee to oversee the state’s Hajj operations and ensure pilgrims’ welfare.

The statement further said that the Committee Chairman, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, met with unit leaders of the intending pilgrims.

Malam Abubakar emphasized the committee’s commitment in ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise, urging the unit leaders to fulfil their responsibilities in guiding and protecting pilgrims’ rights.

Malam Abubakar also advised pilgrims to maintain communication with officials, and also warned them to be wary of fraudsters, just as he expressed hope for a successful Hajj pilgrimage.

A total of 4,776 pilgrims who completed payments of all required amount at the prescribed time will perform this year’s Hajj.

These are pilgrims who met NAHCON deadline payments on or before February 12, 2024 of N4.5 million and an additional amount of N1,199,000.

“Those who met that deadline became eligible for enjoying the Federal Government support and were given the opportunity to pay an additional N1.9 million on or before 28^th March, 2024.

“However, these pilgrims were able to pay the prescribed amount by 17^th March, 2024”, the statement added.

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