By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lafia
About 1,600 intending pilgrims from Nasarawa State will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, Governor Abdullahi Sule has said.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony in Lafia, the governor urged the pilgrims to comply with guidelines set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities, and to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors.
Describing Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual duty, Sule called on the pilgrims to remain focused, forgive one another and offer prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state government.
He disclosed that he personally inspected the accommodation arranged for the Nasarawa contingent in Saudi Arabia, describing it as secure and strategically located for ease of movement to the holy sites.
The governor also highlighted what he termed religious balance, noting that the state sponsors Christian pilgrimages at no cost. He said over 200 Christians were recently sponsored to Jerusalem and Jordan.
Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Idris Al-Makura, commended the governor’s support, saying it had strengthened the Board’s operations and improved pilgrims’ welfare.
He added that the approval of Hadaya payments had eased financial pressure on many families, while improved accommodation arrangements would enhance comfort and spiritual focus.
Also speaking, the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, urged the pilgrims to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, describing the pilgrimage as a sacred responsibility.
He advised them to strictly adhere to the teachings of Islamic scholars on Hajj rites, warning against actions that could invalidate the exercise.
The monarch reminded the pilgrims to use the opportunity to seek divine intervention for the country and prayed for their safe return in good health.
