The Kano State Government has transported the first batch of 486 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2016 Hajj.
The pilgrims left the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on board a Max Air Boeing 747 aircraft on Friday night.
The pilgrims were from six Local Government Areas of the state.
These were Ajingi, Warawa, Garko, Gaya, Sumaila and Wudil.
Addressing the pilgrims before their departure, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje advised the pilgrims to avoid acts capable of denting the image of the state and the country.
Ganduje also advised them against taking any prohibited item to the Holy land as the Saudi authorities would not hesitate to prosecute any of them, who violates its laws.
He also urged them to ensure strict adherence to the laws of Saudi Arabia while in the Holy land.
The governor urged the pilgrims to pray for the state and the country, urging them to avoid unnecessary spending.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on you to pray for our country to overcome the current economic crisis bedevilling the nation,” he said.
A total of 5,880 intending pilgrims from Kano State are expected to perform the 2016 hajj.