The last batch of 368 Jigawa State pilgrims has been airlifted from Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria before their departure on Thursday morning, the Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, said the final group of pilgrims comprises individuals from Birnin Kudu, Buji, and Taura Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, the last batch also include the state Amirul Hajj, preachers, some zonal and centre officers, and also some officials of the board.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo pointed out that, the state had so far recorded a successful and hitch-free screening exercise in the state.
He commended the state Governor Malam Umar Namadi for the support and cooperation given to the board.
The DG also called on the remaining Nigerian pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted to the holy land to exercise more patience and continue to engage themselves in going through the hand books given to them during enlightenment and orientation exercise in their respective states.
In a farewell speech at the airport, Governor Umar Namadi urged the pilgrims to pray for the state and the country in general.
Namadi also urged them to abide by the laid down rules of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Some of pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria before their departure, thanked Allah for making it possible for them to travel to the holy land to perform this year’s hajj exercise.
They commended the management of the Jigawa state pilgrims welfare board for providing them with food and drinks while at the hajj camp and airport.
The pilgrims also expressed satisfaction by the arrangements of preachers and commended officials of the board for taking good care of them while at the hajj camp.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the pilgrims were screened by the personnel of Immigration, Customs, NDLEA with their 8kg hand luggages bags.
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