President Jonathan on Saturday urged intending pilgrims embarking on this year’s hajj operation to commit themselves to spiritual rejuvenation and pray for the nation to overcome its present security challenges.
Jonathan who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo during the inaugural airlift of 530 pilgrims at the new Dutse International Airport in Jigawa State, urged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors and adhere to the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia while performing the religious duty.
He reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the National Hajj Commission towards upgrading hajj operations in line with international best practices.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar II, noted that comprehensive medical check up would be conducted on all intending pilgrims before embarking on the journey.
The Sultan said the medical test is part of measures at curtailing spread of the Ebola Virus Disease to the holy land. He insisted that any pilgrims with medical challenge would not be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia this year.
“Let me remind our intending pilgrims across the state that thorough medical check would be conducted, and anybody that is not fit medically would not travel this year. People should understand that this is part of the rule this year. We all understand the issue of Ebola disease in the country. That is why we are doing this, to stop anybody with a suspected case here before they travel to the holy land,” the Sultan warned.
The Sultan said the choice of Oba of Lagos as Amirul Hajj was to allow equal opportunity to all Muslim leaders.
He commended the support of the Federal Government for the successful take-off of the 2014 hajj operation despite initial challenges with the Saudi Arabian embassy on Ebola Virus Disease.
Oba of Lagos, Riliwan Akinolu, called for improved funding on Ebola in Lagos. He said the current N200 million voted for Lagos is grossly inadequate to manage the virus, considering enormous challenges being faced.
A total number of 76,000 intending pilgrims would be airlifted from 14 departure centres across the country, in addition to four newly established ones: Enugu, Bauchi, Kebbi and Jigawa States.
