Hajj 2025: Kaduna Airlifts Over 3,700 Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has successfully airlifted more than 3,700 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 12 flights. The airlift began last Wednesday, with an inaugural flight officially flagged off by the state government. Pilgrims from several local government areas—including Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Jaba, Makarfi, Kaduna South, Kaura, Lere, Kudan, Sanga, Kubau, Zangon […]
FILE PHOTO: Muslim pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, as they perform Eid Al-Adha morning prayers in Mecca, on June 28, 2023. (Photo by Abdulghani BASHEER / AFP)
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has successfully airlifted more than 3,700 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 12 flights.
The airlift began last Wednesday, with an inaugural flight officially flagged off by the state government.
Pilgrims from several local government areas—including Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Jaba, Makarfi, Kaduna South, Kaura, Lere, Kudan, Sanga, Kubau, Zangon Kataf, and Zaria – were flown directly to Madinah.
They are expected to spend four days in the holy city, where they will visit the Prophet’s Mosque and other sacred Islamic sites before continuing to Makkah.
Leading the Kaduna delegation is the State Amirul Hajj, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kauru, Alhaji Yau Shehu Usman, who has been accompanying pilgrims on significant religious visits in Madinah.
Malam Kasim Aminu, a member of the Kaduna contingent, confirmed from Madinah that all pilgrims are in good health and high spirits as they commence their spiritual journey.
Pilgrims have now begun departing Madinah for Makkah after completing their scheduled four-day stay.
The first group from Kaduna has already arrived in Makkah, receiving an emotional “red carpet” welcome that brought many to tears. Each pilgrim was provided with a welcome pack from the Muassasa, which included snacks, water, and umbrellas to aid their comfort.
So far, 910 Kaduna pilgrims have successfully relocated to Makkah in preparation for the main Hajj rites, which are expected to begin early next month.