President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said the federal government will ensure the safety of Nigerian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Buhari, represented by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, gave the assurance while inaugurating first flight for the 2018 Hajj with pilgrims from Kogi State, at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.
He, however, advised the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country and to fervently pray for Nigeria to overcome its security, socioeconomic and political challenges.
“The Federal Government will not stop to provide all the needed support to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims leave the soil of Nigeria safely, go to Saudi Arabia and perform hajj successfully and come back,” Buhari said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Abdullahi Muhammad, thanked the President for his support and understanding whenever the commission sought for assistance to diligently deliver its mandate.
No fewer than 502 pilgrims from Kogi and NAHCON officials including some members of the National Media Team boarded Max Air direct to Prince Muhammad Bin Sultan International Airport, Madinah.