‘2,720 Bauchi intending pilgrims to be airlifted from new int’l airport’

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

Governor Yuguda of Bauchi has said about 2,720 Muslim intending pilgrims from the state are to be airlifted from Sir Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa International Airport, constructed by the administration.

Yuguda made declaration at the weekend, while declaring open workshop on pilgrims education and orientation for North-East region, organised through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, in Bauchi.

The governor, who was represented by the state commissioner for religious affairs, Alhaji Salisu Ahmed Barau said, the new Bauchi International Airport, which is expected to be commissioned soon, will serve the Muslim intending pilgrims from the state and air travellers.

The international airport, according to  Yuguda is compared to international standard when complete earth equipment are in place, car park space for over 20,vehicles including fire fighting vehicles.

The project, he stressed, has gulped over N13 billion, as a demonstration and commitment of the administration to boast economic activities in the state through investors.

Government, he added, has put in place adequate arrangements as part of a welfare package to accommodate the intending pilgrims while in the holy land to enable them pray for the country.

Yuguda, therefore, called on them to project the image of the country while in the holy land, while urging them to cooperate and support the state government to achieve its desired goals.

In her speech, Hajia Hannatu Birma commended the state government for its support to pilgrims since its emergence for the promotion of religious activities.

Birma also said the workshop was timely, in order to sensitize the participants with relevant information on how to perform the Hajj rites in the holy land especially on good conduct.