SHAWWAL 5, 1429 A.H.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 3 2008
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Hajj: Rivers pilgrims may not use PH airport --SOLAD
From ALIYU LAWAL SAULAWA, P/Harcourt
RIVERS state Muslim Welfare Board has ruled out the possibility of airlifting its pilgrims and others from the South South and South East from Port Harcourt International Airport for this year’s Hajj operation coming up next month.
Alhaji Sani Okiri, Sole Administrator of the board, who disclosed this to Daily Triumph correspondent in Port Harcourt, said since no notice of preparation has been given to them by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) concerning the airlift of pilgrims from Omagwa International Airport to Jeddah, they have opted to prepare for the airlifting of their pilgrims from Abuja International Airport so as not to be taken unawares.
He commended the Rivers state government for living up to expectation in providing all the necessary support to the board to enable it discharge its duties effectively.
The sole administrator called on all Muslims to pray for growth and sustainable peace in Rivers state and Nigeria at large.
Okiro also reminded intending pilgrims of the screening exercise scheduled for Sunday October 5, 2008 to be concluded by October 10.
In another development, Rivers state government has sponsored 100 people to Makkah for the lesser Hajj (Umrah) during the Ramadan period, Okiri said, adding the exercise would be continuous one.
