By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Governor of Kebbi State Dr. Nasir Idris has hailed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for choosing the state to serve as the center for the 2024 inaugural airlift of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

He made the commendation at a dinner organized by the Kebbi State Government for the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi and his team yesterday night, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in Birnin Kebbi.

The National Inaugural flight of the 2024 airlift of the intending pilgrims from Nigeria is scheduled to hold today (Wednesday).

“This has never happened in the history of Kebbi State, but with God, it has happened this year. We are highly honoured for choosing Kebbi for the inaugural flight. We shall forever cherish this honour and memorable event,” the governor was quoted as saying in a statement by Yahaya Sarki, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

According to governor, his administration has subsidized the 2024 Hajj fares for pilgrims to the tune of over N3.67 billion.

He stated that the largesse was doled out through the payment of N1 million for each pilgrim.

“We would have defrayed the balance of N1.9 million for each of our pilgrims if not for some huge expenditures we had during last Ramadan fast.

“The state will do everything humanly possible to ensure the success of the epochal event.

“I am also a pilgrim. I have directed the LGAs to make adequate arrangements for the welfare of the pilgrims, while the state will also do the same,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Arabi, said the state was chosen for the inaugural flight because of the uncommon and unwavering commitment of the governor to the success of the 2024 Hajj operations.

He noted that the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has been very active, proactive and determined to ensure success as well as abiding by all the do’s and don’ts of the 2024 Hajj operation.

“We have received tremendous cooperation from the state as the Governor has made it his own project right from inception of our arrangements,” the chairman noted.

Shortly after the dinner, the governor accompanied by the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Usman Nasamu Dakingari, Speaker, SSG, Head of Service, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Musa Yaro proceeded to the Hajj camp in Birnin Kebbi where the Governor addressed and bade farewell to the intending pilgrims.

•PHOTO: Governor of Kebbi State Dr Nasiru Idris and the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON Alh Jalal Ahmed Arabi in a warm handshake at the dinner organized by the Kebbi State Government on the eve of the inaugural airlift of pilgrims in Birnin Kebbi.

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