EXHIBIT MATURITY, DECENT BEHAVIOR WHILE IN THE HOLY LAND.........Gov. Matawalle tells intending pilgrims

Zamfara state Governor Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawallen Maradun

From Haruna Muhammad Gusau

Zamfara state Governor, Hon. Bello Muhammad (Shattiman Sokoto)  has cautioned intending pilgrims from the state to be good ambassadors and abide by the rules and regulations  of Saudi authorities.

Governor Matawalle  stressed this at the take off of the 2022 Hajj exercise at the state Hajj camp in Gusau, the state capital preparatory to take off of first flight of state intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

He also urged them to cooperate with government and voluntary officials through out the exercise,   appealing  them not to forget to pray for return of peace to the state.

Zamfara state Speaker Hon. Nasiru Mu'azu Magarya

In his remarks, the state Amirul Hajj, Rt. Hon Nasiru Mu'azu Magarya who is also the Speaker, Zamfara state House of Assembly,  commended the state governor for providing whatever  necessary to achieve hitch free Hajj exercise. 

Hon. Magarya who expressed satisfaction with the composition of Hajj Committee  members constituted by the state government, and the adequate preparations and arrangement so far made,   assured to make the entire operations a huge success.

He  gave 90% pass mark on the  "modus operandi" of the  exercise, making emphasis on special care and preference to the feminine gender.

Hon. Magarya noted that the state intending pilgrims are properly being educated,  enlightened and being sensitised about  the entire conduct  of the exercise.

While wishing intending pilgrims  from the state a successful Hajj,  he appealed to them to comply with the local and international authorities.

Earlier at the flag off of the exercise at the camp, Executive Chairman of the state Hajj Welfare Commission,  Alh. Lawal Isah Abdullahi (Danmajen Kaura), disclosed that out of 3500 intending pilgrims so far registered by the commission,  only 1013  drawn from the 14 local government areas of the state would participate in the exercise.

He added that the registered intending pilgrims could not be accommodated because of little number allocated to the state due to covid- 19 pandemic.

Danmajen Kaura also stated that the state government had released over N1 bn meant for the welfare of its pilgrims on areas of accommodation in the Holy land,  transportation, security, medication, food  and other logistics. 

Giving a brief of his commission's efforts toward the success of the exercise, the chairman of the state Hisbah Commission, Malam Ashahabu Badamasi Zauma,  said the commission has deployed 12 hardworking and honest personnel of the commission who participate in the operations, comprising 12 men and 3 women . 

He said the personnel give security and safety to lives and luggage belonging to pilgrims both here at home and in the Holy land.  

Zauma also advised pilgrims not to always be in the midst of their colleagues to avoid causalities.

On the departure from Nigeria and arrival in  Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the committee saddled with the responsibility,  Alh. Surajo Maikatako , said his committee is working round the clock to ensure safe flights and landings.

According to him, the first flight   carried on board 345, 2nd flight 430 while the third flight will set on 23/06/2022 and the remaining pilgrims, if any, will be on board the fourth flight. 

Maikatako described the working relationship between his committee and the officials involved in the exercise as very cordial.

An Islamic scholar in the state, Sheikh Ahmad Umar Kanoma warned all parties involved against dishonesty, cheating and not to  consider the exercise as a means for squander.

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