*PRESS RELEASE* *20/07/2023*
A total of 1,670 pilgrims have so far landed at Aminu Kano international Airport courtesy of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
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The flights include 560 entourage that arrived on Monday by 9:56 pm local time with Pilgrims from Albasu and Garko local government areas as well as retainees from Ungoggo local government area.
The other batch left King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah on Tuesday with 538 pilgrims and 14 officials.
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In an interview with journalists the Director Operations, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Panda said the board had so far airlifted contingents from Tudunwada, Doguwa, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Albasu and Garko local government areas respectively.
He commended National Hajj Commission’ of Nigeria NAHCON for protesting against earlier decision made by Saudi authorities of airlifting Kano delegation from Madina instead of Jeddah.
He explained that jetting the Kano delegation via Madina airport did not arise as they have since visited the mosque of the holy prophet Muhammad (SAW) and other historical sites in the revered city before the commencement of the spiritual exercise
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Some pilgrims interviewed on their way to boarding bus to Jeddah for onward conveyance home, comprising Alhaji Tasiu Ado Musa (Ungoggo), Hajiya Maimunatu Musa Jibrin (Kumbotso) and Hajiya Kubra (Garko) thanked God for according them the chance to fulfill their lifetime ambition and prayed for same for fellow faithful that have not been opportuned.
They also pleaded for divine intervention over current socio economic challenges being experienced in the country.
