The Kebbi State Government on Friday evening flagged off the 2025 Hajj exercise with the successful airlift of the first batch of 420 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims departed the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, aboard a Flynas aircraft, which took off at approximately 5:50 PM Nigerian time, en route to the holy city of Madinah.
Officials from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency accompanied the group, and all passengers were reported to be in good health.
Addressing the pilgrims before departure, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar, urged them to conduct themselves with dignity and represent the state and Nigeria honourably during their pilgrimage.
“I urge you to be good ambassadors of Kebbi State and Nigeria. Respect the laws and customs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and use this sacred journey to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our country,” the Deputy Governor said.
According to the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, a total of 3,800 pilgrims will be airlifted in nine separate flights as part of this year’s pilgrimage operations.
