By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

About 2,491 intending pilgrims from Kaduna State would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia, via Azman airlines, to perform this year’s hajj exercise.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Board (KSPWB), Sani Anchau, made this known on Monday while updating journalists on the Hajj operations.

Achau said intending pilgrims drawn from different local government areas, would be airlifted in batches.

“Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, intending pilgrims are expected to receive the three doses of the vaccine which is a major criterion for visa issuance. Therefore, only those whose visas are ready at a particular time, irrespective of their LGAs will be screened and airlifted to the holy land,” he added.

He however assured that, all visas would be ready and available within the expected time frame of the airlift.

The hajj camp which has not been used for two years due suspension of the hajj exercise caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been renovated and the environment made convenient for intending pilgrims to stay before airlift.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Yakubu Al-Rigasiyyu, while addressing intending pilgrims who were undergoing screening at the hajj camp in Mando, Kaduna, urged them to continue to adhere strictly to the tenets of Islam while on pilgrimage.

He also reminded them of the importance in seeking relevant knowledge of all hajj rituals so that they could perform the pilgrimage successfully.

“This year’s hajj fare is on the high side, it would not be right for you to converge on the holy city and not perform the pilgrimage well. It is important that you meet officials who are experienced and knowledgeable to guide you on all the rituals expected of you,” Al-Rigasiyyu added.

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