A total of 2,567 Katsina pilgrims are in Makkah for the lesser Hajj, an official said on Tuesday in Makkah.
Malam Hassan Bindawa, Assistant Director Operations, Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, told NAN that the board had made adequate arrangements to cater for the pilgrims.
He said arrangements made for feeding, accommodation, medical services and transportation for the pilgrims while in Makkah were going on smoothly.
Bindawa commended the conduct of pilgrims from the state since their arrival in Saudi Arabia, and assured them that the board would continue to guard their welfare.
One of the pilgrims from Bakori local government area of the state, lauded the board and NAHCON “for proper handling of the pilgrims especially in the provision of food and accommodation.”
The pilgrim who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, called on the officials to decentralise the procedure of accessing medical care.
Another pilgrim, Malam Sani Hamisu from Katsina local government, advised NAHCON to adopt easier modalities for the transportation of pilgrims to the holy land, to reduce unnecessary delays.
He noted that they were made to spend long hours at the Umaru Musa Yaradua Airport before their departure to Madina.
Hamisu urged the board to spend more time in educating pilgrims to prepare their minds for the tasks ahead, so as to reawaken their determination in performing the religious obligation.
The 2,567 Katsina pilgrims, who were transported to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj in four flights, had visited Madina and performed the Umarah (lesser Hajj) in Makkah.
