The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Sunday held the closing ceremony for this year’s Hajj Pilgrim Education, Orientation and Enlightenment Program (BITA), urging all intending pilgrims to remain committed to the guidance provided during the training as they prepare for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
In his address to the pilgrims at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Saad Hassan, emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to all Hajj travel regulations, particularly concerning documentation and health requirements. He stressed that all pilgrims must carry their travel documents and vaccination certificates at all times, noting that the Saudi authorities are placing increased scrutiny on compliance this year.
Alhaji Saad issued a stern warning to individuals who paid their Hajj fares through private agencies, advising them to stay away from the Board’s vaccination program. According to him, the vaccines provided by the Board are strictly for those who made their Hajj payments through the official channels of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board.
He added that the Board will intensify its efforts to ensure that pregnant women do not participate in this year’s pilgrimage, citing past incidents where women gave birth in Saudi Arabia, which led to logistical and health challenges. Similarly, the Board will bar individuals with serious health complications from undertaking the journey.
The Executive Secretary also appealed to family members to exercise responsibility by not sending elderly or seriously ill relatives to the Holy Land, unless they are accompanied by able-bodied persons who can assist them. “If necessary, pay for yourself as well so that you can help your parents during the pilgrimage,” he advised.
Addressing issues surrounding the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), Alhaji Saad reassured pilgrims that the Gombe State government and the Board have taken proactive measures to ensure a smoother experience this year. He recalled that during the 2024 Hajj, the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to fulfil its pledge of 500 dollars BTA, paying only 400 dollars instead.
To rectify this, he said the Gombe State government has stepped in to guarantee that each pilgrim receives the full 500 dollars allowance this year. In addition, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved a special Eid token of 200 Saudi Riyals for each pilgrim, alongside arrangements for special meals during their stay at Arafat.
Alhaji Saad further advised pilgrims to make their Hadaya (sacrificial animal) payments through their designated Hajj officers, the Board’s headquarters, or Ja’iz Bank, to ensure proper coordination and avoid fraud.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board and Emir of Dukku, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rasheed, offered thanks to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of this year’s orientation program. He extended special gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for providing moral and financial support, especially in securing prime accommodations near the Haram in Makkah—described as one of the best for Nigerian pilgrims.
The Emir noted that the next step is for the Board to ensure the effective implementation of all plans to guarantee a successful Hajj operation. He expressed confidence that Gombe pilgrims will conduct themselves in a lawful and respectful manner both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
He urged all pilgrims to safeguard their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), warning that the Board would not be able to reimburse anyone who lost their money. “It is very difficult to survive in Saudi Arabia without money,” he warned.
The Emir also cautioned pilgrims against sharing identification cards or uniforms issued by the Saudi authorities and the Board. He instructed them to wear these items at all times for easy identification and security purposes during their stay in the Holy Land.
Earlier in the event, the Head of Pilgirm Education, Orientation and Enlightenment Program for the Board, Malam Maiwada Dahiru, commended the Emir of Dukku and the Executive Secretary for their unwavering support. He particularly acknowledged the provision of vehicles and other logistics that enabled the successful conduct of the BITA program across the state.
Malam Dahiru encouraged the intending pilgrims to put into practice all the lessons learned during the orientation, emphasizing that knowledge and discipline are critical to a rewarding and acceptable Hajj experience.
Dignitaries at the closing event included top officials of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, members of the Board, the Chairman of Kautal Jude Travel and Tours, and various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the orientation program.
The ceremony marked a significant step forward in preparations for the 2025 Hajj, as Gombe State reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety, welfare, and spiritual fulfilment of its pilgrims throughout the sacred journey.