By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Nigerian pilgrims would commence movement to Makkah from Madina on Friday, June 2nd, 2023, an official of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed to News Express on Thursday.

The pilgrims have been staying in Madina since their arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The 472 pilgrims from Nassarawa State were the first batch of Pilgrims to be airlifted from Nigeria on the inaugural flight operated by Max Air Limited on 25th May at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Contingents were received into the Kingdom at a symbolic ceremony organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and was attended by the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency, Amb. Yahaya Lawal, the Consul-General and other members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Since their arrival in Madina, the contingents have performed the traditional rites of praying at the Haramain Mosque and made visitations to many Islamic Landmarks and historical sites, including the battlefield of Uhud.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, during the inaugural flight, admonished the Nigerian pilgrims to shun any acts capable of tarnishing the image of the country and to be good ambassadors of the nation.

The pilgrims were also enjoined to pray for the peace, progress and stability of the Nation during their sojourn in the Holy land.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, also promised to make their stay in the Holy land a memorable one with provision of quality accommodation, transportation and feeding with local Nigerian dishes.

About 14,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to the Holy land with all of them landing or heading to Madina in the first phase of the operation.

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