No fewer than 1,300 Visas had been secured for intending pilgrims from Sokoto state by the state Pilgrims Welfare Agency(PWA) according to the agency’s Director General, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar.
Disclosing the development to reporters Sunday at an induction course for the prospective pilgrims from Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Governments, State Government Officials and those who paid through the agency, Umar said the national inaugural flight is expected to be conducted on July 30,2017.
He explained that,” In Sokoto State, we are ready for the commencement of the airlift of our intending pilgrims on July, 31,2017.
” Consequently, with the 1,300 visas already in our custody, we have no fewer than three consecutive flights at hand.”
Umar who represented by the Director of Da’awah Unit, Sheikh Yahuza Shehu, said that the agency had also concluded all the necessary arrangements to ensure the successful conduct of hajj, both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Accordingly, the Director General warned the prospective pilgrims against carrying any banned items like drugs, kolanuts, pepper, sharp objects, perfumes and other related materials.
He also cautioned the state contingents against collecting messages from unknown persons, to avoid being used to peddle drugs.
” If anyone is arrested in this direction, he or she will have the wrath of stringent Saudi Arabian laws, God forbid.
” The prospective pilgrims should respect the laws of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while they should steer clear of fraud deters while expending their Basic TravellingAllowances, ” he stressed.
