JUST IN: Buhari Flags off 2023 Hajj as 560 Nasarawa Pilgrims Fly to Saudi Arabia

JUST IN: Buhari Flags off 2023 Hajj as 560 Nasarawa Pilgrims Fly to Saudi Arabia

President Muhammadu Buhari has officially flagged off the commencement of the 2023 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, the last of the annual ritual he would undertake in his eight-year tenure which comes to an end on May 29.

At the inaugural flight ceremony held at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Thursday, President Buhari called on all intending pilgrims to be peaceful, law-abiding and be good ambassadors of the country as they embark on the spiritual voyage.

Represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the President called on the pilgrims to take advantage of this year’s Hajj to pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria while making special supplications for the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to succeed in taking the nation to greater heights.

“You are representing not only the President but also Nigeria and Islam. Be patient, attentive, and never deviate from your mission. Remember to pray for Nigeria, on the economy, security and the politics. Pray for Nasarawa and the leaders. Pray for peace as you can see the security challenges the country is going through,” the President charged.

He commended the ‘wonderful’ job being done by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) under the leadership of Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, urging the leadership to sustain the tempo.

“Focus on the welfare of the pilgrims as some of them may not be literate while some may never have been to Abuja before now. You can imagine their fate in another country if they are not well taken care of. Their lives and welfare are in your hands. That is why we have given you all the support you asked for, so there should be no excuses,” he said.

Meanwhile, PRNigeria can authoritatively report that the first batch of pilgrims from Nasarawa state numbering up to 560 were about boarding the flight to the holy land at the time of filing this report.