No fewer than 870 Kwara Muslim pilgrims that performed the 2017 Hajj Exercise at Saudi Arabia returned on Thursday around 9:48am and on Sunday morning respectively.
The pilgrims, who boarded Medview Airline were the third and fourth batches of air passengers from Saudi Arabia that arrived the Ilorin International Airport bringing the total number to 1,878.
Recall that the first and second batches of pilgrims had arrived on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
Pilot Aviation observed that the airport premises was filled to capacity with relatives and friends of the pilgrims, who were seen in groups jubilating as the aircraft landed.
The pilgrims were sighted being conveyed from the tarmac to the screening centre by the Kwara State Mass Transit buses to be screened by the various security agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Port Health among others.
Speaking to our aviation correspondent, the Acting Coordinator of National Hajj Commission, Ilorin zone, Alhaji Ibrahim Fijabi, expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for success of this year’s hajj.
He said, “Our pilgrims from Nigeria and this zone in particular, observed all the spiritual activities and abided by laid down rules and regulations at the holy land.
The Coordinator urged the pilgrims to replicate the virtues exhibited in the holy land in their various communities and homes.
One of the pilgrims, Hajia Kafayat Lambe said “the spiritual exercise was very interesting and interacting as it is aimed at strengthening our faith.
“I will continue to live according to the teachings of Islam as hajj is part of fulfilling the pillars of our religion.
Another passenger, Alhaji Abubarkri Imman noted that the hajj exercise went smoothly, adding, ” the hajj exercise makes me believe more in the teachings of prophet Mohammed.”
Also, Alhaji Hawal Labaran noted it is important for all faithful Muslims to observe the five pillars of Islam.
He said “my experience is a fulfilment of the Quran and I’m satisfied with the exercise, my life has changed for better now.
