Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State on Monday officially flagged off its 2026 Hajj operations with the successful airlift of the first batch of 484 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aboard an Aquiline Air flight from the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto.
The aircraft conveying the pilgrims departed the airport at about 6:14 a.m., signaling the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage exercise for thousands of Muslims from the state.
The pilgrims in the inaugural batch were drawn from Wamakko, Tambuwal, Tureta, Shagari, Sabon Birni, Isa and Dange/Shuni Local Government Areas.
The departure ceremony attracted top government officials, Islamic clerics, airport authorities and members of various Hajj committees, who gathered to witness the takeoff and offer prayers for a successful spiritual exercise.
Leading the state delegation was the Amirul Hajj and Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, while the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Engineer Idris Mohammad Gobir, represented the state government at the event.
Addressing the pilgrims shortly before departure, Gobir urged them to uphold the image of Sokoto State and Nigeria by conducting themselves responsibly throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to the rules and regulations guiding the Hajj exercise, describing discipline, patience and devotion as essential virtues for a successful pilgrimage.
“This sacred journey requires total obedience to Allah, respect for constituted authorities and compliance with all laid-down guidelines. You are ambassadors of Sokoto State and Nigeria,” the deputy governor stated.
Gobir further assured the pilgrims of the state government’s commitment to their welfare, safety and comfort throughout the pilgrimage period.
In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj and leader of the 2026 Hajj delegation, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination put in place for the exercise.
He disclosed that comprehensive arrangements had been concluded for accommodation, feeding, transportation and healthcare services for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, officials and support personnel had already been deployed to ensure smooth operations and immediate attention to the needs of the pilgrims.
“We have made adequate preparations to ensure a seamless Hajj exercise this year. Our officials are on ground and fully ready to support the pilgrims at every stage of the journey,” Dingyadi said.
Special prayers were also offered by Islamic scholars and clerics for the safety, protection and spiritual fulfilment of the pilgrims during the holy exercise.
The Sokoto airlift forms part of the nationwide Hajj operations being coordinated by Nigerian authorities in partnership with Saudi Arabian officials ahead of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts millions of Muslim faithful from across the globe to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah every year.
