13th September, 2014
No fewer than 537 intending pilgrims from Kebbi were transported to Saudi Arabia through the newly constructed Sir, Ahmadu Bello International Airport.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar III, who inaugurated the first batch of the plight in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, advised the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the nation.
He attributed the delay in early commencement of the airlift of the pilgrims to the delay caused by the Saudi Arabian Consulate in the issuance of visa.
He said the Federal Government had completed arrangements on the general welfare of the pilgrims, adding that, “we would not relent in making you convenient while at the Holy Land.”
The sultan, who is also the nation’s Amirul Hajj, commended the Kebbi state government for constructing such a befitting airport.
He, however, urged the pilgrims to pray assiduously to the country, adding that, “we are in dare need of peace in our country, hence the need for you to devote in praying for this country as part of your contribution towards peace in your homeland.”
In his remark, the Governor of Kebbi, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari, said the airport worthiness was certified to be 98 per cent by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He said the airport would generate revenue to the state,stressing, “we also generated 500 employment to the people.”
Our Correspondent reports that the pilgrims were transported by Max Air, with registration number 5N-BMG.
NAN reports that the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir; Emir of Yauri, Alhaji Zayyanu Abdullahi and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, were among the thousands of people at the airport, who witnessed the first plight.