Hajj 2017: Gombe pilgrims return tomorrow – NAHCON

Gombe state contingents for this year’s hajj will be first batch of Nigerian pilgrims to return on 7th September, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), chairman, Abdullahi Muktar has said.

Mukhtar disclosed this while meeting with the officials of the state pilgrims board during an inspection tour of facilities in their tents at Mina, Saudi Arabia.

He advised officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to ensure that they move the first batch of pilgrims to Makkah on the sixth to ensure smooth beginning of the operation.

He cautioned them to prepare adequately as, according to him, “the failure or success of the outbound flight depend largely on how well the exercise commences.

“For speedy dispatch of pilgrims when the operation starts, we will ensure that Gombe pilgrims are airlifted before other States would follow, and any hitch from here will eventually affect the entire homeward journey.

He commended Gombe state officials and pilgrims for their conduct and patience when a delay of two days occurred at the Gombe zone during the first lap of the airlift to the holy land.

Responding, officials of the Gombe State pilgrims promised to ensure compliance with flights schedule.

Over two million pilgrims are today expected to move to Makkah, after spending the required three days in Muna for the symbolic stoning of the devil.

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