First batch of pilgrims arrive Saudi Arabia

The 446 pilgrims from Kogi state and 56 officials landed at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina by 9:54pm (local time) aboard Max Air VM3001, joining their counterparts from India, Iran, Turkey and Indonesia.

In a chat with Blueprint, the Public Relations Officer of Kogi state Hajj Commission, Isa Abdulrahman, commended the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for organising a hitch-free journey, reception and accommodation.

The pilgrims were received at the airport by officials of the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia, including the Ambassador, Isah Dodo and the Consular-General, Sani Inusa.

Addressing the pilgrims, the ambassador urged them to be law-abiding, and only concentrate on what brought them to the holy land.

The envoy also urged them to pray for peace, progress and prosperity in Nigeria.