Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has admonished 2016 Pilgrims  to SaudI Arabia from the state to be good ambassadors throughout their stay in the Holy land.

Governor Bello gave this advice when he bade farewell to the last batch of intending pilgrims from the state at the Minna International Airport.

The  Governor enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state and country by avoiding acts capable of tarnishing our image especially trafficking in drugs and Kolanuts.

“You must be warned of the stringent Saudi Arabia laws. You must adhere strictly to  the laid down rules and regulation of that country while in the holy land.   You must avoid anything inimical or detrimental to the collective aspirations of our state and country” the governor added

He  expressed satisfaction with the overall airlift of pilgrims  to the holy land and enjoined them to use the opportunity to  pray  for peace and socio-economic progress of the state and country.

“Nigeria is going through challenges. I enjoin you to pray for peace and socio-economic progress of Niger state and Nigeria. You must dedicate the entire period for prayers for yourself, your family, community, the state and Nigeria.”

He disclosed  that the  state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure that pilgrims to this  year’s  hajj were not only successful in the discharge of their religious obligation but are promptly airlifted back home.

Governor Sani Bello appreciated the efforts of the  State Amirul Hajj, Brigadier General Idris Garba rtd and the Acting Secretary of the State Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Alhaji Umar Makun and expressed confidence that the concluding part of the operation would be carried out successfully.

He assured the pilgrims that Government would do everything  possible to make their stay comfortable while in the holy land.

In their separate remarks, both the Amirul Hajj and the acting Secretary commended Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and assured him of their determination to ensure successful Hajj exercise for Niger state pilgrims.

All the 3,405 pilgrims  and officials from the state have been successfully airlifted from Minna International Airport to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj exercise.