Bauchi, Kebbi Begin Airlift Of Pilgrims May 9

The Bauchi and Kebbi state governments will begin the airlift of 6,150 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Friday, May 9, 2025, for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The operation, organised by the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, is expected to conclude on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with about 2,350 being taken from the state.

Executive secretary of the board, Imam Abdulrahman Ibrahim Idris, revealed this at Baba Sidi Primary School, Bauchi, while interacting with some of the intending pilgrims.

He assured that all preparations, including issuing yellow cards for the pilgrims, have been finalised to ensure a seamless experience.

Imam Idris lauded the commitment of teachers and leaders at the Baba Sidi Bita Centre, emphasising that their dedication would contribute significantly to the success of the pilgrimage.
He urged the pilgrims to cooperate with the Board throughout the process.

Bauchi State’s robust preparations reflect its commitment to ensuring a fulfilling and hitch-free pilgrimage for its Muslim faithful.

In Kebbi, Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) has fixed May 9 to commencing the the airlift of pilgrims in the state for 2025 Hajj exercise.

The agency’s chairman, Faruk Musa Enabo, announced this to journalists in his office in Birnin Kebbi shortly after he held a meeting with stakeholders led by the Amirul-Hajj and the emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammed Mera.

Enabo said that as part of the agency’s preparation, the government has already secured the passports and visas of the intending pilgrims. Under the new system introduced by the Saudi Arabian government this year, the pilgrims will receive their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash (Saudi Riyals).

The chairman also revealed that 3,800 intending pilgrims from the state have fully paid their Hajj fares, and the number will be airlifted according to the flight schedule from Ahmadu Bello International Airport Ambursa in Birnin Kebbi.

He commended the state governor, Nasir Idris for appointing capable and experienced personalities as members of the state’s delegation for this year’s Hajj exercise.

He charged the intending pilgrims with being good ambassadors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until the end of the exercise.

He noted that the governor would mingle with the state’s pilgrims in the designated places of worship in Mecca and Madina until the end of the exercise.