Bauchi govt assures Muslim, Christian pilgrims of support

Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, has assured Muslim and Christian pilgrims of the state government’s continued support. Gov Abubakar stated this while addressing intending Muslim pilgrims from the state before their departure to Saudi Arabia in Bauchi.

The governor cautioned them against any act that could tarnish the image of the state and the country while in the holy land.

Pilgrims totalling 2,824 will be airlifted from Bauchi for the 2015 Hajj by Top Brass and Max Air airlines.

The governor said that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure the welfare of the pilgrims both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He said that a team of healthcare personnel, alongside officials of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board will accompany the pilgrims to the holy land.

He also announced that the state government has provided a welfare package consisting of free Ihram (pilgrim’s white clothing), a blanket and 300 Saudi riyals for each of them.

The state’s Amirul Hajj and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwan Suleman Adamu, commended the state governor for his efforts to provide a hasslefree Hajj for the pilgrims of the state by putting appropriate measures in place throughout the preparations for the exercise.

He promised that the state’s pilgrims will be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in Saudi Arabia by respecting the laws of the host countryý.

Earlier, Executive Secretary of the state’s Muslims Welfare Board, Alhaji Aliyu Suleman, commended the governor for assisting the pilgrims, saying that the accommodation secured for the pilgrims and other assistance will ensure more convenience during the pilgrimage.

The governor equally assured intending Christian intending pilgrims to Israel of his government’s determination to ensure their welfare.

He made the promise in Bauchi when he received a delegation of the National Christian Pilgrims Commissioný which paid him a courtesy call in his office.

The delegation, led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, said that they visited the governor to congratulate him on his election and seek his help on the activities of the Commission.

Opara, therefore, urged the governor to assist the Commission in its activities to help it succeed in its preparations for this year’s and subsequent pilgrimages.