By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
Gombe State, Nigeria – The newly inaugurated Gombe State Muslim Pilgrim Board has held its first meeting since its establishment by the Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya. The meeting was chaired by the Board’s Chairman, His Royal Highness Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed, the Emir of Dukku.
Following the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrim Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan (Sardaunan Yamaltu), expressed his gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his foresight in selecting competent individuals to serve as members of the Board. He also commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Gombe State pilgrims, both in Nigeria and in the Holy Land.
Alhaji Saadu Hassan thanked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for extending the deadline for Hajj fare payments to the middle of the ongoing Ramadan month. He urged intending pilgrims in Gombe State to take advantage of the extended payment window to complete their Hajj fare payments, emphasizing the importance of timely payments to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
So far, Gombe State has registered over 800 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj season. The Board reiterated its commitment to facilitating a seamless pilgrimage experience for all participants and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.
In addition, the Board announced that it would take all necessary measures to prevent pregnant women and elderly individuals from participating in this year’s Hajj exercise. This decision is aimed at avoiding potential difficulties during the pilgrimage, which could hinder their ability to perform their spiritual rites effectively. The Board emphasized that this measure is in the best interest of the pilgrims’ health and safety.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise and the well-being of all pilgrims from Gombe State.