Hajj: Nigeria pilgrims begin return journey ‘morrow -- Stakeholders
From MUSA A. TIJJANI in Jeddah

NIGERIAN pilgrims to the 2006/2007 Hajj exercise are expected to begin as from tomorrow, which is journey home from Saudi Arabia on Thursday, January 4, 2007.
This was made known by stakeholders after a meeting held with the Amirul Hajj and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sada Abubakar, at Muna on Sunday, December 31, 2006.
Representatives of the airlines confirmed to newsmen through the PRO of the Presidential Committee on Hajj (PCH), Malam Umar A.T. Bala, that slots have been provided for the return trip of the Nigerian pilgrims.
The return schedule is as follows: Kabo Air Jan 4, Knight Air Jan 6, and Mangal Air Jan 7.
The information was revealed by the chairman of aviation sub-committee of the PCH, Alhaji Liad Tela to the Hajj media team in Jeddah.
The arrangement is however, flexible, but any of the airlines can change deal of the airlift operation depending on circumstances.
The Amirul Hajj had earlier reminded the airlines on the need to stick to approved schedule for the return airlift on the basis of first come first airlifted back home.
He also charged PCH officials to ensure that all defaulting airlines are blacklisted as deterrent in future Hajj operations.
In a related development, the stonning of the devil has recorded a hitch-free conduct.
Our findings show that there was well organized system of movement to and out of the Jamrat by the Saudi authorities as a result of which no single death was recorded due to stampede or suffocation.
Meanwhile, Governor Danjuma Goje of Gombe state has thanked the PCH to exhibit greater commitment and interest in the smooth transportation of Nigerian pilgrims while in the Holyland especially during the peak period of the exercise.
He said in an interview with newsmen that this became necessary in order to avoid pilgrims breaking down due to long distance trekking from Muna to Arafat and to Muzdalifa and back as well as to guarantee huge successes in subsequent operations.
Governor Goje, however, commended the PCH for organizing one of the most effective and efficient Hajj operation this year, which he described as unprecedented in recent years, stressing that such commitment would continue to be Nigeria’s source of pride.
The governor also commended Gombe state pilgrims for being good ambassador of the state and country throughout the Hajj exercise.