Gombe 1,105 pilgrims for hajj
About 1,105 pilgrims from Gombe State would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia to perform the religious tourism starting from 20th to 21st June 2022.
Addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration of the committee by the Secretary to Gombe State Government Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, Chairman of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Emir of Dukku, Alh. Haruna Abdulkadiri Rasheed assured hitch-free exercise.
Our correspondent reports that N495.2m was in 2021 returned to 332 persons from the 2020/2021 intending pilgrims who applied for a refund due to the restrictions caused by Covid-19.
The Emir revealed that the number to be airlifted has reduced due to economic challenges faced by the Government, individuals despite the interruption caused by coronavirus.
He said, “This is going to be a litmus test, it is going to be a herculean test for the board and also for the pilgrims. All hands must be on deck to ensure we achieve a hitch-free hajj, we have pledged to work assiduously to see that we see to the success of this year’s Hajj especially for pilgrims of Gombe State, we are going to hit the ground running.
“We used to have one hundred nationwide by this time we have just half of it but now about 45,000 thereabout. So, for Gombe it going to be a little above 1,000 and we used to have more than that number, there are pressures on the part of those who want to perform Hajj because of limited slots, the fare has since doubled.”
Rasheed urged pilgrims to support the state and country in prayer following the forthcoming elections, adding that those around could follow suit as prayers could be heard from anywhere.
“The least pilgrims can do for us is to pray for the nation, to ensure credible leaders are elected, as well as peaceful conduct of the election. We need people to pray for the nation, anywhere you are we need to pray for peace to reign and for bumper harvest,” Pilgrims’ welfare chairman added.
Njodi, who inaugurated the board on behalf of the Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya described the board as a giant stride towards the realisation of democratic dividends.
He further urged them to imbibe the spirit of honesty in discharging their responsibilities.
“This administration will carry people along irrespective of political affiliation. We are committed to continue to provide the necessary social economic infrastructure and other services,” the Governor said.
