By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Kebbi State Government has inaugurated an 18-member committee to prepare for the inaugural flight of Nigerian Pilgrims to the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has designated Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, for the commencement of the pilgrimage airlift to the Holy Land scheduled for May 15, 2024.

Performing the ceremony in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, May 7, the Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafidan called on members of the committee to be steadfast in ensuring the success of the inaugural flight.

Bala-Tafida was represented by a member of the Committee and member representing Danko-Wasagu East in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Garba- Bena.

In his words: "The Federal Government has made Kebbi State a big platform for the Hajj exercise this year.

"We must join hands together to work in earnest to do our best to uphold the confidence reposed on us by federal authorities.

"Our publicity sub- committee should ensure proper coverage of the inaugural flight; we must be seen and heard throughout the nation.

"The chairman should arrange live coverage, while the security sub-committee must ensure everything is well secured from beginning to end," he said.

Bala-Tafida charged those handing protocol affairs to prepare to receive guests from all over the country, saying there is the possibility Mr President Bola Tinubu or the Vice President, Kashim Shatima or their representatives including NAHCON officials would be in the state to witness the departure of the pilgrims.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA), Alhaji Faruq Aliyu-Enabo, thanked the governor for providing moral and material support to the committee for the success of the inaugural flight.

•PHOTO: Hon. Muhammad Garba-Bena, representing the Chairman of the inaugural committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafidan (M), and the Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA), Alhaji Faruq Aliyu-Enabo (R) during the inauguration of the 18-man 2024 Hajj inaugural flight committee in Birnin Kebbi

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