2016 hajj: Buhari inaugurates airlifting of pilgrims, see PHOTOS from the flag-off ceremony
– President Muhammadu Buhari has launched the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims from Sokoto to Saudi Arabia for the 2016 hajj
– The president cautioned the pilgrims to be law abiding
– The Sultan of Sokoto appealed to the pilgrims to pray for President Buhari
The airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims from Sokoto to Saudi Arabia for the 2016 hajj was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, August 8.
The president was represented by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, NAN reports.
Buhari inaugurates passengers’ airlift to Saudi Arabia
He restated the federal government’s commitment to make Nigeria a better place for all.
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Speaking at the flag off ceremony, the president was quoted as saying: “We are fully committed to introducing policies and programmes to better the lives of all Nigerians, including generations yet unborn.”
He charged the officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to be diligent and accord priority to the welfare and consular services of the pilgrims.
The pilgrims were also advised to be law abiding, tolerant with each other and good ambassadors of their respective families, their states and Nigeria in general.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the pilgrims to pray fervently for President Buhari, so he can successfully steer the ship of state.
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He also asked them to pray for peace and unity to reign in the country and also relief from the hardship being faced by Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, said about 80,000 pilgrims will be airlifted in the next five weeks through flight operations in 17 airports across the country.
Ateam of 52 officials of the NAHCON, including medical personnel, departed for Saudi Arabia last Friday, head of the commencement of the 2016 Hajj airlift operation.
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