The Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has bid farewell to the first batch of 962 pilgrims from the state embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi delivered his farewell message at a solemn ceremony held at the Board Headquarters.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya began by expressing profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing the lives of the intending pilgrims to witness this spiritual journey. He commended the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for their tireless dedication and the seamless coordination of Hajj preparations, which he described as one of the most successful in recent years.
The Governor highlighted several measures taken by his administration to ensure the welfare, safety, and comfort of the pilgrims. These include the provision of well-located accommodations near the Holy Mosque (Haram) in Mecca, deployment of a highly competent medical team and an increase in the number of Officials.
He also approved a Sallah gift of 200 Saudi Riyals for each pilgrim, as a token of goodwill and encouragement for their journey.
Governor Yahaya advised the pilgrims to be law-abiding, exhibit high moral conduct, and serve as ambassadors of Gombe State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land. He warned that any pilgrim found carrying prohibited items, such as drugs, would face the full consequences of the law without government interference.
“You are representing not just yourselves, but Gombe State and Nigeria. Your behavior must reflect the values of Islam. Avoid carrying luggage for strangers,” he cautioned.
The Governor also emphasized the need for Hajj officials and guides to carry out their duties diligently, noting that over 95% of the pilgrims are first-timers who would require proper support and guidance.
In addition, he urged the pilgrims to offer special prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Gombe State and Nigeria, and especially in light of the ongoing security challenges facing the country.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Emir of Dukku His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rasheed expressed deep appreciation to Governor Yahaya for his consistent commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.
The Emir praised the Governor for ensuring the availability of all necessary equipment and infrastructure at the Gombe Airport to facilitate a smooth airlift operation. He also acknowledged the provision of 500 Dollars BTA in cash and the successful securing of premium accommodations close to the Haram in Mecca, which many other states found difficult to achieve.
He urged the pilgrims to apply the knowledge they had acquired from the Many-month Hajj orientation and training program, including lessons from the recently concluded BITA demonstration exercise. He also advised them to be vigilant with their belongings and not fall victim to theft or misplacement of valuables.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Saad Hassan, thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his unflinching support and hands-on leadership, which, he said, has significantly boosted the efficiency of Hajj operations in the state.
Alhaji Hassan assured that all arrangements regarding airlifting, accommodation, feeding, healthcare, and religious guidance had been thoroughly finalized. He reiterated the Governor’s directive that only high-standard food from reputable restaurants in Mecca should be served to pilgrims at Arafat.
He further commended the Governor for appointing qualified and religiously grounded individuals including many respected ulamas, to the board. He encouraged pilgrims to show patience and resilience, reminding them that Hajj is a spiritual obligation that comes with both rewards and challenges.
“Hajj is a pillar of Islam and should be performed strictly according to Allah’s command. Pilgrims must avoid anything that could compromise the acceptance of their Hajj,” he said.
Alhaji Hassan also noted that the federal government’s adoption of Gombe’s BTA cash disbursement model was a testament to the foresight and leadership of Governor Yahaya.
The event was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including, Chief of Staff, Government House, Head of Service, Commissioners, Heads of Parastatals, Sole Administrator Gombe International Airport, Members of the Pilgrims Board, Security operatives, and Islamic scholars
The farewell ceremony concluded with prayers for a safe journey successful Hajj and safe return for all the pilgrims.