Osinbajo inaugurates airlifting of pilgrims for 2017 Hajj
- The acting president has commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ensuring that all obstacles to 2017 Hajj pilgrimage were removed
- According to Osinbajo, the work began when the minister of state for foreign affairs led a delegation to Saudi Arabia to sign the MoU for the 2017 Hajj
- The acting president urged the pilgrims to pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria while in the holy land
The Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, July 30, inaugurated the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, NAN reports.
Osinbajo, who was represented by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammed Bello, commended the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and aviation agencies for the arrangement being put in place.
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He said the inaugural flight was the beginning of the hard work to be done by the officials at the holy land in guiding the pilgrims to perform the hajj.
Osinbajo commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ensuring that all obstacles to 2017 Hajj pilgrimage were removed as well as the aviation agencies for ensuring smooth flight operations during the exercise.
According to him, airlifting is the beginning of the tasks to be carried out by the officials during Hajj operation.
“As you are all aware, what we are witnessing today is a culmination of intense hard work, dedication and commitment by Hajj officials.
“The work commenced when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadija Abba-Ibrahim led a delegation to Saudi Arabia where the MoU for the 2017 Hajj was signed.
“This inaugural airlift is the beginning of the intense hard work to be done because you cannot say that the work is done until the pilgrims going to Saudi have an acceptable hajj and return back safely.
“So, I want to commend the agencies of government particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the effort in ensuring that Nigeria got back the 20 per cent quota lost years ago,” he said.
He also commended the Ministry of Aviation and all its agencies for the support given to pilgrims.
The acting president urged the pilgrims to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country while in the holy land.
Osinbajo also called on the pilgrims to represent Nigeria properly within the short period in the holy land.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported about the breakdown for the 2017 Hajj fare.
The fare sheet contained prices for various things necessary for the trip; such as air fare, yellow card, tent security deposit, Makkah accommodation etc.
Watch this Legit.ng TV video of Bishop Abioye's former driver who converted to Islam:
Source: Legit.ng
