The first batch of Adamawa State pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj has successfully arrived in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A total of 486 intending pilgrims were airlifted on Thursday from the Lamido Aliyu Musdafa International Airport, Yola, marking the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations by the state.
The Governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was represented at the departure ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Awwal D. Tukur. He urged the pilgrims to pray for enduring peace, unity, and development in Adamawa and Nigeria as a whole.
Also present at the airport was the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, who is serving as the Amirul Hajj 2025, alongside other top officials and dignitaries.
The Permanent Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Malam Abubakar Salihu, attributed the smooth take-off of the Hajj exercise to the commitment and logistical support provided by the Fintiri-led administration.
In a related development, Malam Salihu was commended for his meticulous planning and coordination, which stakeholders described as instrumental to the successful airlift of the first group.
Meanwhile, some of the pilgrims who spoke with reporters at the Prince Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, expressed satisfaction with the travel arrangements.
They described the process as seamless and stress-free, applauding the government for ensuring decent temporary accommodation at Mamma Chare Hotel, Yola, which served as their Hajj camp before departure.
Further batches of pilgrims from the state are expected to be airlifted in the coming days.
