The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Saturday announced that the first batch of pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia on June 16.

Chairman of the board, Abdulkadir Sambaki, confirmed this at the enlightenment programme organised for intending pilgrims traveling with the board.

Mr Sambaki added that a total of 1,500 pilgrims would perform the Hajj from Kwara. 

He charged them to obey the rules and regulations of the exercise, be good ambassadors of the state and ensure they have been fully immunised against COVID-19 virus.

Ibrahim Akewusola, the state Amirul-Hajj, admonished the pilgrims to follow the rules laid down by the board to ensure smooth operations.

He warned them against engaging in acts capable of tarnishing Nigeria’s image.

“We enjoined you to avoid fighting with anybody, avoid indecent dressing and avoid use of abusive words in the Holy Land.

‘Hajj is not for pomp and pageantry but solely for the worship of Allah. So avoid overspending and acquiring huge loads that may be rejected by your flight while returning,” he said.

Mr Akewusola commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership role towards a hitch-free Hajj.

Mamman Jibril, the Secretary to the State Government, also called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Islam at large.

Mr Jibril, who represented the governor at the event, advised the pilgrims to follow the instructions of the board while in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, AbdulGaniyu Ahmed, the executive secretary of the board, advised the pilgrims to be thankful to Allah for being worthy of being his visitors.

(NAN)