As the deadline for the closure of Jedda international airport for 2019 intending pilgrims, Sokoto State has concluded the airlifting of its 3,481 pilgrims, 48 hours to the closure of Madina airspace for Hajj Activities.
Amirul Hajj of Sokoto State 2019 Hajj operation, who is also the state Deputy Governor Hon Manir Muhammad Daniya, made this known to pressmen in the city of Madina, Saudi Arabia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press to the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, and released to journalists on Monday.
According to him, “the Amirul Hajj said despite 5 days unplanned delay in the Airlift of Sokoto Pilgrims from Flynas airline, the State was able to complete their airlift to Madina in time before the commencement of 2019 Hajj Exercise in days to come.
“The Sokoto State Government under the dynamic Leadership of Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has played a major role in the success of the exercise so far recorded.
“All Sokoto Intending Pilgrims are now in the Ancient city of Madina visiting all the Holy sites and most especially the Tomb and Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad SAW”.
The statement further explained that in the 8 flights Sokoto State recorded to Madina City already the 4th flight is in transit to Makka and in Subsequent Days other will be evacuated to Makka before the 10th of Dhul Hijja which is the date the Saudi authorities slated to start the Hajj rites.
The Amirul Hajj hajj said in the 3,481 Pilgrims from Sokoto includes 10 Medical personnel who will take care of any Health-related issue the Pilgrim may encounter as well as another 10 are official of the Sokoto State delegations appointed by the State Government to oversee the 2019 Hajj Exercise.
He, however, revealed that one of the pilgrims, a female Pilgrim from state died in Madina due to Illness, while he also thank the authorities of Sokoto state Pilgrims welfare agency for the arrangements so far.