Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called on the state’s pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to offer prayers for Nigeria and its leaders during their pilgrimage.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwan, during a farewell ceremony held in Jalingo on Thursday, the governor encouraged the pilgrims to be exemplary representatives of both the state and the nation.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s religious communities, stating, “We are all created by one God, to whom we shall all return.”
Gov. Kefas also urged the pilgrims to strictly adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws and avoid carrying prohibited items, noting that such obedience was essential to fulfilling their religious obligations.
The governor announced that beyond the previously appointed three-person amirul hajj team, additional officials have been designated, including a medical team adequately funded to procure medicines in Saudi Arabia to safeguard the health of the pilgrims.
Chairman of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Gambo Malami represented by Malam Sani Modibbo briefed the governor on the board’s readiness.
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He confirmed that travel kits, uniforms, e-passports, visas, and the basic travel allowance had been provided to all pilgrims.
Malami also raised concerns about the limited hajj seat allocations for board members and staff.
While thanking the governor for his continuous support, he appealed for compliance with the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official.
Taraba State Amirul Hajj for 2025, Alhaji Suleiman Sambo, expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment and support, promising to discharge their duties with diligence.
Also speaking, the acting Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, said the airlifting of the pilgrims would commence with 315 of the 535 registered pilgrims scheduled for the first batch.
