By Sanee Yarima
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has urged intending pilgrims from the state to pray fervently for Nigeria and its leaders during their time in Saudi Arabia.
The governor made this appeal during his farewell address to the 2025 intending pilgrims in Jalingo on Wednesday, May 14.
Represented by the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwan, Governor Kefas also encouraged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of both the state and the nation while in the Holy Land.
He emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, reminding everyone that we are all created by one God, to whom we will eventually return.
Additionally, the governor cautioned the intending pilgrims against carrying any contraband items and advised them to adhere to the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia if they wished to fulfil their religious duties as prescribed by Allah.
Governor Kefas announced that in addition to the three-person team appointed for the Amirul Hajj, the state government had designated other officials, including a Medical Team, which has sufficient funds to purchase necessary medications in Saudi Arabia to support the health of its pilgrims.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Gambo Alhaji Malami, who was represented by Malam Sani Modibbo, informed the Governor that preparations for the airlift of the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia are complete.
He said the pilgrims have been issued bags, uniforms, and all travel documents, including e-passports and visas, while their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) is also ready for distribution.
He brought to the Governor’s attention the insufficient number of Hajj seats allocated for board members and staff, and he expressed appreciation for the governor’s ongoing support for the board.
Malam Gambo Alhaji Malami expressed hope that despite the current economic challenges, the state government would adhere to the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official, in line with other states across the country.
In his remarks, the Taraba State Amirul Hajj for 2025, HRH Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim Sambo, expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for appointing them to lead the state’s team to the Holy Land and for providing the necessary logistical support for the board’s operations. He pledged to fulfil their responsibilities diligently.
Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Board, stated that the state is scheduled to begin airlifting its intending pilgrims on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with 315 out of a total of 535 individuals expected to participate in this year’s Hajj from the state.
He revealed that the Basic Traveling Allowance for each intending pilgrim is now 500 US dollars, as informed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and urged them to use it wisely to avoid difficulties during the pilgrimage.
The Acting Executive Secretary also expressed appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for his continuous support of the board and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a smooth Hajj experience.
Some of the intending pilgrims who spoke to newsmen expressed their excitement and gratitude to Allah for granting them the opportunity to perform Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
They pledged to pray for the peaceful coexistence in Taraba State and Nigeria as a nation.
