30th August, 2015
Jamiu Yisa
The first batch of Lagos state pilgrims to this year’s Hajj exercise have arrived in Medinah.
The 540 pilgrims departed Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, in a Med View airline Boeing 767 aircraft.
Prior their departure, the state Amir Hajj, Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, enjoined them to be the good ambassadors of the nation while in the Holy land.
He also urged them to pray for return of peace to the country.
According to him, hajj which is the last of five pillars of Islam provides opportunity for the Muslims to undergo a spiritual rebirth in order to have stronger faith in oneness of Allah.
The Lagos Amir Hajj assured the pilgrims that the state government had made adequate preparations for hitch free hajj exercise which includes welfare while in the Holy land.
On his part, the head of the official carrier for the state, Alhaji Muneer Bankole promised strict compliance with the airlift of the pilgrims.
He however warned the pilgrims against being in possession of substances that could cause embarrassment to the state and the nation at large.