The first batch of Nigerian pilgrims have arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for 2023 hajj.
A Max Air flight carrying 472 pilgrims from Nasarawa State and 27 officials landed at Prince Muhammad ibn Abdu-Azeez Airport Madinah at about 3:20am on Friday.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahya Lawal, together with Consul- General, Madina NAHCON coordinator and his team, were at the airport to receive the pilgrims
As a tradition the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the officials of the Nigerian Embassy in the kingdom gave the pilgrims a ceremonial reception at the airport.
In his welcome address, Ambassador Lawal urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times, especially now that they are in a state of performing one of the pillars of Islam.
He also called on them to pray for the progress and unity of Nigeria. And finally pray to Allah for them to have a Hajj mabrur.
The pilgrims were then conveyed to their hotel accommodations.
