By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — May 2, 2026 (Series News Online)- Prospective pilgrims from Bunza, Kalgo, Aliero, and Koko-Besse Local Government Areas converged on the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, KBSPWA, headquarters on Saturday for documentation ahead of the inaugural Kebbi airlift for the 2026 Hajj.
The contingents from the four LGAs are slated to depart aboard Flynas as the state’s first batch to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
While addressing the intending pilgrims, KBSPWA Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo, disclosed that lodgings reserved for Kebbi pilgrims in Saudi Arabia had been designated in honour of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, and former governors Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero, Ambassador Saidu Usman Dakingari, and Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
He stated that additional facilities were named after the governor’s wives and Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida.
“The lodgings we secured in Saudi Arabia for Kebbi State intending pilgrims bear the names of Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, former governors Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero, Ambassador Saidu Usman Dakingari, and Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, as well as the governor’s two wives and the current Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida,” Enabo said.
The chairman noted that provisions for the welfare of pilgrims had been enhanced for the 2026 exercise.
“Compared with previous years, welfare packages for this year have been expanded to cover feeding, transportation, and other necessities. This was made possible by the governor, who approved increased funding and support,” he stated.
Enabo gave details of how the nine scheduled flights would be distributed across the secured accommodations.
“Your Excellency, regarding the accommodations listed, from flight one to flight nine, we have assigned each flight to the designated lodgings. Some lodgings will host one flight, while others will take two flights, and all pilgrims will be comfortable without complaints,” he explained.
He confirmed that screening for the four LGAs would begin Saturday night, ahead of the nationwide commencement of airlifts on Sunday.
“Your Excellency, I wish to inform you that the four LGAs invited will undergo screening tonight. However, the official take-off for the entire country is tomorrow, Sunday,” Enabo said.
He further revealed that Governor Idris had consistently settled the _Hadayat_ levy for all Kebbi pilgrims since taking office.
He appealed to the intending pilgrims to offer prayers for Governor Idris, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national peace and stability.
He also admonished them to comply with Saudi laws and avoid contraband during the pilgrimage.
“Equally, remain law-abiding and respect all regulations in Saudi Arabia throughout your Hajj. Avoid carrying any prohibited items to the Holy Land,” he advised.
In his farewell remarks, Governor Nasir Idris expressed optimism about the conduct of the state’s contingent.
“I am delighted and confident in Kebbi State pilgrims based on their performance in the last two Hajj operations. I am certain they will maintain that standard this year because Kebbi pilgrims have never been implicated in misconduct during or after Hajj. I urge you to sustain that record,” the governor said.
Governor Idris corroborated the KBSPWA chairman’s statement on improved pilgrim welfare.
“What the Chairman of KBSPWA, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo, said is accurate. I instructed that all areas of pilgrims’ welfare be upgraded, and that directive has been upheld since I assumed office as governor of Kebbi State,” he stated.
He described catering to pilgrims as a core responsibility of his administration.
“They are our people, and we have a duty to serve them. We must therefore do everything possible to serve them well,” he added.
The governor extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and solicited prayers for the nation.
“I wish you a successful Hajj. I also implore you to pray for the state, the country, your leaders, and for peace, tranquility, and harmonious coexistence among all Nigerians,” Idris said.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Government Delegation, retired Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, CG Ahmed Jafar Jega, pledged the delegation’s commitment to a hitch-free 2026 Hajj.
“We assure Governor Nasir Idris of our delegation’s resolve to deliver a successful 2026 Hajj. We are working in close collaboration with the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and his board to ensure a successful outcome,” Jega said.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for the assignment.
“On behalf of the delegation, we thank you, Governor, for entrusting us with this weighty responsibility. We shall devote ourselves to ensuring that all processes meet the required standards. Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful,” he said.
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2026 Hajj