Ogun pilgrims leave for hajj

25.11.2007

OGUN State government on Saturday commenced airlifting of the first batch of 200 pilgrims into the holy land of Mecca and Medina.

The subsequent batches of the total number of 1,490 pilgrims, according to a statement signed by Governor Daniel’s Press Officer, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, would be completed before the end of the month.

Addressing the pilgrims in Abeokuta shortly before their departure to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Mayowa Olukoya said government was concerned about their welfare, adding that necessary arrangement had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

According to him, “we are the first State to commence these Hajj operations this year and His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as a Muslim-loving governor, has promised that no single pilgrim from this state will sleep at the Hajj camp in Ikeja, as we today commence airlifting directly into the Holy land”.

He said workshops and seminars had been arranged for the pilgrims to familiarize them with the “dos and don’t about Hajj”, adding that the issue of accommodation, healthcare services and transportation had also been taken care of.

The SSG enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state, wishing them a successful pilgrimage. Responding on behalf of the pilgrims, Alhaji Abdulahi Belgore thanked the state government for the excellent arrangement put in place.

He said the pilgrims would conduct themselves throughout their stay in the Holy land. Meanwhile, airlift operations of intending Muslim pilgrims on the international route will begin in the northern part on November 27, according to Med-View Airlines, the Federal Government designated carrier for the class of worshippers.

A press statement signed by the airlines’ Managing Director, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, issued on Friday in Lagos on their flight schedule, based on “ first to go, first to come back,” showed that the operations would commence at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Outbound flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos will be between December 1 and 8 while Abuja outbound operations will be between December 8 and 13 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Every pilgrim will be entitled to 40 kg one piece luggage and one piece 10kg hand luggage for the return journey to Nigeria. The baggage will be picked by the airlines’ personnel from the various weighing centres close to the pilgrims’ hotels in Saudi Arabia and taken to the “East-End” of Jedda International Airport, which is Med-View Airlines’ landing and take-off point in the kingdom.