Medview Airline Nigeria has commended Borno State Government for its efforts in ensuring the airlift of intending pilgrims to 2015 Hajj in Maiduguri International Airport.

This is contained in a statement issued by the airline’s spokesman, Mr. Obuke Oyinbotha, in Maiduguri on Sunday.

“The state government has shamed cynics with the airlift of 540 pilgrims from Maiduguri International Airport on Med-View flights direct to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

“It is the first time in two years that pilgrims from the state are being airlifted from Maiduguri airport as a result of insurgency.

“A situation on which critics of Governor Kassim Shettima government had anchored their argument on the fact that hajj operation cannot be carried out in the capital.”

The statement stated that the airline also expressed happiness that the pilgrims were airlifted direct from Maiduguri International Airport making things easier for the conduct of the exercise.

The airline gave the assurance that it would live up to the expectations by ensuring smooth conduct of the airlift of the state intending pilgrims to the holy land.

“We wish to assure that the airline will retain its integrity by ensuring smooth airlift of the pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima had flagged off the airlift of the pilgrims at airport which was reopened in June after been shut for 18 months for fear of Boko Haram, insurgents attack.

The governor said in an address urged the pilgrims to devote time to offer special prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in putting an end to Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

Shettima expressed joy that the pilgrims were airlifted from Maiduguri as against going to Jigawa or Kano for the airlift to the holy land.

He, therefore, urged people, especially those from North-East, embarking on spiritual journeys to prayers for the president to succeed in making Nigeria a better place for all citizens. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Shettima