Approximately 263 Muslim pilgrims have left Cameroon for Medina, in Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca.
The first group out of 3165 persons earmarked this year, departed from the Garoua International airport this morning, on the Ethiopian Airlines aboard the Boieng 787.
The first set of pilgrims were seen off at the airport by the Governor of the North Region, Roger-Moïse Eyène Lom, and the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
According to the Governor of the Region, the departed pilgrims have taken a very important trip, crucial to their spiritual life, and the welfares of their families and for peace in the country.
“They are experiencing a moment of piety, prayer and of humility, because prayer first and foremost is giving honour to God for the country, for themselves and for the health of their families…” Governor Roger-Moïse Eyène Lom expressed.
In this year’s allocation of government subvention to support the Pilgrimage, 3165 places have been reserved by the state, as opposed to 2700 last year. Each pilgrim is expected to chip in a sum of 2.9 Million FCFA to facilitate their journey to and from Saudi Arabia.
