Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, Executive Chairman, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, says the board will commence the transportation of female pilgrims to Mina on Thursday, 7th Dhul-Hajj.
He stated this while addressing pilgrims at Hotel Number One otherwise known as “Kebbi House” in Qudai, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman was outlining the requisite preparations put in place by the board towards ensuring the conduct of a successful Hajj exercise.
“According to our arrangement, we are going to start transporting pilgrims on 7th Dhul-Hajj, that day will be purely for the women, while the male pilgrims will follow on 8th Dhul-Hajj.
“Therefore, I want to advise the male pilgrims, make sure that you take your bath between 2:00a.m. and 3:00a.m. because you are many in each room. Do not wait until after Subhi (dawn) prayer.
“Transportation of male pilgrims will commence immediately after Subhi prayer, it will be done Local Government by Local Government.
”Remember, the season of Hajj is a season of excitement, worship, supplication, Zikir and all other forms of worship according to the Sunnah,” he urged.
Aliyu-Enabo advised the pilgrims to use the season to glorify Allah, the Most High, saying: “Pray for yourself, your parents, your children, your family, your country, your state and of course your governor and the entire Muslim Ummah.”
The chairman passionately appealed to the pilgrims to pray for the board, just as it had started the work well, may Allah (SWT) assist it to complete the job diligently.
Aliyu-Enabo noted with satisfaction that Kebbi was leading in all aspects as far as 2024 Hajj is concerned, including preparation, housing, logistics, feeding and discipline, among others.
He appealed to the pilgrims to remain orderly especially during their transportation to Mina, adding that nobody would be left out.
“During the movement, when the pilgrims from Argungu are called to join the bus, please you from Augie, Dandi or Bagudo should not come out but wait for your turn.
“Therefore, I urge you to obey those saddled with the responsibility among you, give them the necessary support and cooperation to discharge their duties diligently,” he advised.
The chairman assured that all the leaders would not leave Makkah for Mina until all the pilgrims, especially the ordinary citizens were completely transported.
He warned that on Arfat day, nobody should come out from his/her tent unless they were called upon to do so.
Aliyu-Enabo said, ”We, as leaders, will not leave Arfat until all the pilgrims are evacuated.”
He said Gov. Nasir Idris would perform the Hajj together with the poor masses of Kebbi to give them a sense of belonging.
The chairman added that the governor has directed that his pilgrims be served with delicious meals with chicken, fish and eggs throughout the period of Hajj.
Aliyu-Enabo used the medium to appeal to the pilgrims to pray for a successful and peaceful conduct of Local Government elections scheduled to hold in due course across the state.
He observed that the success of the elections would be a landmark achievement of the governor.
The Day of ‘Arafah is on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
This followed the sighting of the moon, this year the Day of ‘Arafah falls on Saturday 15th June 2024.
Consequently, the Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated across the globe on Sunday, 10th Dhul Hijjah, equivalent to June 16. (NAN)
By Muhammad Lawal