JIGAWA FLAGS OFF 2026 HAJJ, 480 PILGRIMS DEPART FOR MADINAH
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Jigawa State on Monday commenced its 2026 Hajj operations with the airlift of 480 pilgrims to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, marking the first batch of intending pilgrims from the state this year.
The pilgrims, drawn from 25 local government areas, departed from Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport aboard an aircraft operated by Umza Airlines.
Governor Umar Namadi, who was at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims, urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the state and the country during their stay in the Holy Land.
He also called on them to pray for peace, unity, and progress in Jigawa and Nigeria, assuring that the state government had made adequate arrangements for their welfare, safety, and comfort throughout the pilgrimage.
Also present was the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Dutse, Hameem Nuhu, who joined in offering prayers and guidance to the departing pilgrims.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Umar Labbo, said the pilgrims were selected from several local government areas across the state, including Kazaure, Gumel, Hadejia, Dutse, Ringim, and Gwaram, among others.
He noted that board officials, medical personnel, and key stakeholders accompanied the pilgrims to ensure smooth coordination and support during the exercise.
Labbo commended the governor for his consistent support and also praised security agencies—including the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Immigration, and Customs—for ensuring a seamless screening process at both the Hajj camp and the airport.
“We have fortified our pilgrims with the right information to avoid any issues in Saudi Arabia,” he said, urging them to remain disciplined and uphold the image of the state.
Some of the pilgrims described the journey as a lifelong dream. A first-time pilgrim, Musa Ibrahim from Kazaure, said he had waited over a decade for the opportunity, while Aisha Sani from Dutse expressed gratitude for the preparations and orientation provided.
Both pilgrims commended the orderly screening process and the presence of medical personnel, especially for elderly travellers, pledging to represent Jigawa State positively during the pilgrimage.
The departure of the first batch signals the official start of the state’s 2026 Hajj exercise, with additional batches expected to be airlifted in the coming days.
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