Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, has charged the 2026 intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the Holy Land.
He gave the charge on Saturday bidding farewell to the pilgrims at the flag-off of the 2026 Hajj exercise, held at the premises of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Birnin Kebbi.
He urged them to focus on the spiritual purpose of their journey to the Holy Land.
“You are travelling to the Holy Land to perform one of the pillars of Islam,” he said.
The governor also urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray for Nigeria, especially on the issue of insecurity.
He further admonished political appointees in the state to support intending pilgrims from their various Local Government Areas.
He noted that his administration had consistently supported pilgrims since assuming office and called on appointees to complement the state government’s efforts by providing necessary assistance.
“I want you to extend the same gesture to the pilgrims,” he added.
Gov. Idris stated that his administration had reduced major burdens on pilgrims by covering Hadaya payments, feeding, and free transport to holy sites.
He urged them to pray for Nigerian leaders and the people of Kebbi State, stressing that visiting the Holy Land was an opportunity to pray for themselves and the country. He also cautioned them to comply with Saudi laws.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musa Aliyu Yaro Enabo, thanked the governor for shouldering most of the responsibilities for the Hajj exercise.
He said the first flight would depart on Sunday, 3 May 2026, airlifting 428 pilgrims from four Local Government Areas.
He called on the pilgrims to be law-abiding citizens upon arrival in the Holy Land.
In his remarks, the 2026 Amirul Hajj and former Controller-General of the Correctional Service, Ahmed Jafaru Jega, thanked Gov. Idris for the trust reposed in them.
He assured the governor that this year’s Hajj would be the best compared to previous ones.
