By John Bassey, Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has formally bid farewell to the first batch of intending pilgrims from Aliero, Koko/Besse, Bunza, and Kalgo Local Government Areas, as well as officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA), ahead of their departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The farewell ceremony, held at the Permanent Hajj Camp in Birnin Kebbi, was attended by government officials, religious leaders, PWA officials, and intending pilgrims.
Addressing the pilgrims, Governor Idris expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting them the opportunity to participate in this year’s Hajj and urged them to remain good ambassadors of Kebbi State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
The Governor assured the pilgrims of improved welfare arrangements, including better accommodation, feeding, and proximity to the Haram, noting that his administration remains committed to ensuring comfort and dignity for all pilgrims.
He reiterated that no pilgrim from Kebbi State would experience hardship, stressing that the state government has maintained a record of excellent Hajj operations since the inception of his administration.
Governor Idris also disclosed that the government has sustained its tradition of supporting pilgrims through various incentives, including the sponsorship of Hadaya (sacrificial rites), as well as free transportation for Ziyarah (visits) to historical Islamic sites in Madinah.
While calling on political office holders and stakeholders to complement the government’s efforts by supporting pilgrims from their respective areas, the Governor urged intending pilgrims to dedicate themselves to prayers for Kebbi State and Nigeria, especially at the plains of Arafat.
He further emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Governor Idris explained that although he would not be able to perform this year’s Hajj due to unavoidable circumstances, he solicited prayers from the pilgrims for peace, stability, and continued progress in Kebbi State and the country at large.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Musa Yaro (Enabo), commended the Governor for his unwavering support to pilgrims.
He highlighted key interventions such as the payment of Hadaya, improved feeding standards, and the provision of comfortable accommodation in Madinah.
He disclosed that all Kebbi pilgrims would be airlifted directly to Madinah via Flynas airline, assuring that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless and hitch-free Hajj operation.
Also speaking, the Amirul Hajj for the state and former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Alhaji Ahmad Jafar Jega, assured the Governor of the delegation’s readiness to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful Hajj exercise.
He noted that committees have been constituted and are already working in line with established guidelines to guarantee the welfare and safety of pilgrims.
The event also featured Islamic sermons delivered by prominent scholars, including Malam Abubakar Atiku (Walin Kalgo) and Malam Lawal Maikwalla, who admonished the pilgrims to uphold discipline, sincerity, and devotion throughout the pilgrimage.
The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart from Birnin Kebbi for Madinah on Sunday.