The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Thursday, flagged off the inaugural flight of 315 Muslim Pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mahmoud, at the farewell ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, urged the first batch of the FCT Pilgrims to represent the country very well with a high sense of patriotism.

According to the Minister, the commencement of the airlift operation was a historic moment and a reflection of the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful Hajj exercise for all pilgrims from the Territory.

The Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the FCT Administration and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

She also commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast support and leadership, which, according to her, has continued to place the FCT at the forefront of Hajj administration in Nigeria.

She emphasised the spiritual significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, urging the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and the FCT while in Saudi Arabia.

“You should see yourselves as Allah’s guests. Remain steadfast in obedience to Allah, abide by the rules and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and continue to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our nation,” she stated.

The Minister equally charged officials accompanying the pilgrims, including staff and ad hoc personnel of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, to discharge their responsibilities diligently and prioritise the welfare of the pilgrims at all times.