Hajj: Airlift of pilgrims begins August 8

The Federal Government has announced August 8 for the inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

Making the disclosure at the weekend at a Hajj stakeholders conference at the National Mosque, Abuja, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, said the flight, which would commence at the Sokoto Airport, would see intending pilgrims from Zamfara State being airlifted first.

He also advised intending pilgrims to stick to the rules as set out by the Saudi Arabia authorities, specifically warning them against carrying kolanut and other products considered as contraband in the Holy land.

Represented by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Sultan said; “in preparing for this exercise, there is need to look at several critical areas, especially in terms of movement from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and other local runnings in the holy land.

“I advise all intending pilgrims to adhere to the regulations. Do not carry any type of kolanut or bitter kola in order to avoid hitches right from the airport. On August 8, intending pilgrims from Zamfara would be airlifted first from the Sokoto Airport.”