Barely nine days into this year’s hajj to Saudi-Arabia, intending pilgrims from Kano state, last night departed the Aminu Kano International Airport aboard Max Air 747 with the first batch of 550 pilgrims.
The commencement of the pilgrims airlift had started behind schedule from the initial date slated for the exercise despite the fact that pilgrims from other states had already arrived the Holy Land.
Addressing the first batch in Kano, the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, called on them to prove their mettle as good ambassadors of Kano state by refraining from social vices that could tarnish the image of the people.
He said over the years, Kano pilgrims had been known to exhibit a spirit of good conduct in avoiding any act capable of dragging the reputation of Kano people into disrepute.
He stressed that trafficking and concealing prohibited and dangerous drugs was an offence that could easily cast aspersion on the credibility and integrity of an intending pilgrim, once he or she was caught.
Ganduje, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, stated that the state government had put all necessary measures in place to ensure a hitch-free hajj exercise.
