Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is pulling out all the stops for pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia this season. He wants them to have the most comfortable hajj experience possible.
Malam Salihu S Abubakar, the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, made this known on Wednesday. He spoke during the flag-off ceremony at Mando Hajj Camp.
According to him, the governor has never rejected any request from the agency. Kaduna has secured premium accommodation in Makka, situated near Masjid Al-Haram, the Grand Mosque.
Pilgrims will depart from the hajj camp at 2am for Kaduna International Airport. They'll travel in CNG buses donated by Governor Sani to the pilgrims welfare agency.
Malam Salihu commended the governor for backing the agency's infrastructure projects. Modern structures and upgraded facilities have completely transformed Mando Hajj Camp, he noted.
Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe represented the governor at the event. She congratulated the intending pilgrims and thanked Allah for granting them this opportunity.
Dr Balarabe urged them to pray for safe travels to and from Saudi Arabia. She also asked them to intercede for peace and development across Kaduna and Nigeria.
Kaduna State Government has taken comprehensive measures for pilgrim welfare throughout their journey. This covers their time at the transit camp, their stay in the Holy Land, and their return home.
Governor Sani's administration has completely remodeled the hajj camp with cutting-edge facilities. An ultramodern ICT centre, a state-of-the-art hall, and modern offices now grace the facility.
Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, offered crucial advice at the ceremony. He warned pilgrims to respect Saudi Arabia's laws without exception.
The Emir cautioned against bringing contraband items into the kingdom. Kola nuts and other condiments aren't necessary there, he emphasized.
Ambassador Bamalli told pilgrims never to accept luggage from anyone for safekeeping. This applies whether at Kaduna airport or any Saudi airport, he stressed.
Experience has proven that such luggage often contains illegal drugs. Saudi Arabia enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking, he reminded them.
