The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed the successful registration of over 930 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Saad Hassan, in an interview with newsmen.
Hassan highlighted that the state is making full preparations to ensure a smooth Hajj operation, expressing satisfaction with the current level of arrangements. He specifically noted the successful securing of quality accommodation in Makkah, which has been a challenge for many other states.
“Unlike some states that are still struggling to secure decent accommodation, Gombe has been fortunate. We’ve made all necessary arrangements ahead of time, and our pilgrims will have nothing to worry about in terms of comfort and safety,”; he said.
However, Hassan also addressed a challenge faced by many intending pilgrims, particularly those from rural areas—the issue of Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA). Following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new directive that BTA should be issued via ATM cards, many pilgrims from rural areas have found this system difficult, as they are not familiar with using ATM cards.
“A large number of our pilgrims come from rural areas and are not used to ATM transactions. Some don’t even know how to operate ATMs, which creates unnecessary stress for them,”; Hassan explained.
In response to this challenge, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya intervened by approving a special local arrangement, allowing BTA to be issued in cash rather than through ATM cards.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his swift and compassionate intervention. Thanks to his effort, all Gombe pilgrims will receive their BTA in cash. This will ease their travel process and provide peace of mind,”; Hassan noted.
The airlifting of Gombe State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia is set to begin on May 13, 2025. Hassan assured that the Board is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure a safe and organized departure for the pilgrims.
To prioritize health and safety, the Board has also decided that pregnant women and elderly individuals with serious medical conditions will not be allowed to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
“The Hajj is a physically demanding religious obligation. We cannot take risks with the lives of those who may not be medically fit to handle the stress. Our medical team is conducting thorough screenings to ensure everyone who travels is capable of performing the rites safely,”; Hassan emphasized.
