The third batch of Kano State pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise has departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for the holy city of Madina.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Board Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the pilgrims were officially seen off by the Deputy Amirul Hajj and Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, during a farewell ceremony held at the airport on Saturday evening.
In his address, the Emir advised the pilgrims to conduct themselves in accordance with the teachings of Islam throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also urged them to pray for lasting peace, unity, and development in Kano State and Nigeria.
As part of efforts to support the pilgrims, the Emir presented a cash gift of 100 Saudi Riyals to pilgrims from Tsanyawa Local Government Area on behalf of the Local Government Chairman.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, appreciated the gesture by the Tsanyawa Local Government Chairman, describing it as a commendable support for the pilgrims.
The Director General further reassured the intending pilgrims that the Kano State Government remains committed to its promise of providing 200 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The Max Air flight VM3027 is conveying 544 pilgrims made up of 284 females and 260 males drawn from ten Local Government Areas of the state, including Tsanyawa, Bichi, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Makoda, Minjibir, Ghari, Gabasawa, and Dambatta.
The flight departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at exactly 9:31 PM en route to King Muhammad Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina.