"Kebbi Pilgrims' Return Flight Takes Off June 13 as PWA Begins Luggage Distribution"

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) has commenced the distribution of luggage to pilgrims who performed the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, in preparation for their return flight scheduled to begin on June 13, 2025. The Secretary of the Agency, Sani Labaran, disclosed this during the distribution of luggage to pilgrims at the Kauran Gwandu House in Makkah.

According to Labaran, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has scheduled the first batch of return flights to commence on June 13, with Kebbi State among the first states to be airlifted back home. "In preparation for this, the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the distribution of luggage to pilgrims," he said.

The Agency has categorized the pilgrims into different flights based on their Local Government Areas and other criteria. The first flight includes pilgrims from Shanga, Koko-Besse, and Suru Local Government Areas, while the second flight includes pilgrims from Jega LGA, Kebbi Government Officials (KGO), and those who paid directly through the Agency.

The third flight covers pilgrims from Birnin Kebbi 1 & 2, Kalgo, Gwandu, and Agency-sponsored or Government officials, while the fourth flight includes pilgrims from Arewa, other Agency-sponsored pilgrims, and Government officials. Each pilgrim is entitled to 32 kilograms of main luggage and 8 kilograms of hand luggage, totaling 40 kilograms.

The distribution of luggage for pilgrims on the first to fourth flights is currently ongoing, while the distribution for the fifth flight and subsequent groups will pause for a two-day break before resuming. The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency's efforts aim to ensure a smooth and successful return journey for the state's pilgrims.

As reported by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kebbi State, the return flight is a significant milestone for the state's pilgrims, marking the end of their spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia.