The leader of the 2022 Niger Hajj delegation, Emir of Kontagora, Muazu Barau, has charged intending pilgrims from the state to be law abiding and good ambassadors.

Mr Muazu gave the charge on Friday while inaugurating the first flight of the state pilgrims at Umar Faruk Bahago Hajj Camp in Bosso Local Government Area of the state.

He advised the pilgrims to desist from taking prohibited items and illicit drugs, citing the scenario of a Kano girl alleged to have been set-up in a drug related issue.

Mr Muazu, while wishing the pilgrims an acceptable Hajj, urged them to use the sacred period to pray to Allah for peaceful existence and hitch-free 2023 general elections.

No fewer than 560 intending pilgrims were drawn from Munya, Mashegu, Chanchaga, Kontagora and Magama Local Government areas.

The first flight, with medical and other officials, was flown to Jedda International Airport aboard a Max airline.

Earlier, Governor Abubkar Bello congratulated the intending pilgrims for making it to the exercise, cancelled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Represented by his Deputy, Ahmed Ketsu, the governor warned them against any act capable of tarnishing the state’s image and that of the country.

He  assured them that their welfare would be of paramount importance, considering the calibre of persons leading the state government delegation.

Executive Secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Umar Maku, said all the intending pilgrims would be transported from Minna International Airport to Jedda.

He said that all the pilgrims must pass through mandatory screening by the board, and warned them against drug trafficking and other prohibited items to the holy land.

He also urged them to pray for Niger state for God’s intervention in the current security issues in the state and the country in general.

(NAN)