Kebbi Governor Idris Bids Farewell to First Batch of Pilgrims Airlifted for 2026 Hajj
By Abdullahi Tukur
Kebbi State – Nigeria News Today | The Bureau News
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has officially bid farewell to the first batch of 418 intending pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The farewell ceremony took place on Sunday at the Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, where the governor expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the pilgrims the opportunity to perform the religious obligation.
He urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Kebbi State and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of discipline, unity, and devotion throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
“I call on you to pray for lasting peace, unity, and progress in Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole,” Governor Idris said.
418 Pilgrims Depart in First Flight
The first flight, which departed on Sunday evening, conveyed 418 pilgrims drawn from Aliero, Koko/Besse, Bunza, and Kalgo Local Government Areas, alongside officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
The airlift marks the commencement of the state’s participation in the 2026 Hajj operations.
Government Assures Improved Welfare Packages
Governor Idris assured the pilgrims of enhanced welfare arrangements, including improved accommodation located closer to the Haram Mosque in Makkah, quality feeding, and the provision of Hadaya (sacrificial rites).
He noted that the state government remains committed to ensuring that pilgrims perform their religious duties in comfort and dignity.
The governor also disclosed that the administration would continue its tradition of supporting pilgrims with incentives such as sponsorship of Hadaya and free transportation for Ziyarah to historical Islamic sites in Madinah.
Call for Prayers and Support
He called on political office holders and stakeholders to complement government efforts by supporting pilgrims from their respective communities.
Governor Idris further urged the pilgrims to dedicate themselves to prayers, particularly at the plains of Arafat, for the peace and development of Kebbi State and Nigeria.
Pilgrims Welfare Agency Commends Government Support
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Musa Enabo, commended the governor for his sustained support to intending pilgrims.
He highlighted key interventions, including payment of Hadaya, improved feeding arrangements, and provision of better accommodation in Madinah.
Clerics Urge Discipline and Devotion
In their separate remarks, Malam Lawal Baiti Mai Kwaltaa and Malam Abubakar Atiku Walin Kalgo advised the pilgrims to uphold discipline, sincerity, and total devotion throughout the Hajj exercise.
They emphasized the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage and urged participants to adhere strictly to guidelines and religious obligations.
The Bureau News reports that the airlift exercise will continue in batches as more pilgrims from Kebbi State are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
