By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Emir of Argungu and Kebbi State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Sama'ila Muhammadu Mera, has announced that the state government has taken possession of passports and visas of pilgrims in preparation for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. A total of 3,800 intending pilgrims from the state have fully paid their fares for the spiritual journey.
The Monarch made this known during an inaugural meeting between members of the government delegation and officials of the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency in Birnin Kebbi. "All arrangements have been concluded for the evacuation of pilgrims that will proceed without break until conclusion," Alhaji Mera said.
The Emir assured that pilgrims would receive their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash (Saudi Riyal) under the present system, aimed at curtailing sharp practices and shortchanging of pilgrims in the course of currency exchange. "The comfort of pilgrims is of paramount importance to the government, and necessary accommodation has been secured for them in the Holy Land," he added.
Alhaji Mera expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for reposing confidence in the delegation and affording them the opportunity to serve the people. "As the Amirul Hajj, I am affirming our commitment to partner with the Pilgrims Agency to ensure the smooth conduct of the Pilgrimage both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia," he said.
The Emir advised members of the government delegation and officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency to work in unison and unity with the fear of God, to protect the rights and privileges of the pilgrims. "We must work together to ensure the best Hajj operation, in line with the objective of Governor Nasir Idris," he emphasized.
In response, the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, pledged absolute cooperation with the government's delegation to ensure the most successful Hajj exercise unprecedented in the state. "We've secured accommodation and other necessities, including transport and feeding, for the pilgrims in the Holy Land," he said.
Alhaji Yaro disclosed that the agency had engaged the services of Flynas, the same airline used in the previous year's operation, for the airlift of Kebbi pilgrims. "Ten trips will be carried out from May 9, 2025, airlifting 420 pilgrims in batches, directly from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, to Madinah in Saudi Arabia," he explained.
The Chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for appointing the right calibre of personalities to serve on the government's delegation for optimal performance. "We've provided all necessary aviation facilities at the airport, including a fuel dump for aircraft refuelling, to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise," he added.
The Amirul Hajj and other members of the government delegation were administered vaccinations at the Hajj camp in Birnin Kebbi, signaling the commencement of the vaccination exercise for other pilgrims. Each vaccine recipient was presented with the "Yellow Card" as required by domestic and international law.
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Hajj