By: TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA.
All arrangements for the successful hitch free this year holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina has taken off in Niger State.
Towards this end, the state Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially flagged -off distribution of uniforms and 8kg hand luggages to the intending pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage as part of the arrangements lined up for 2025/1446 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The symbolic flagg-off was done on Monday 14/4/2025 at the Board headquarters in Minna, where officials gathered to witness the beginning of the pilgrimage preparations.
Speaking during the Symbolic distribution, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu noted that the distribution is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hitch free pilgrimage experience for the intending pilgrims from the State.
The Executive Secretary represented by the Director Administration of the Board, Babani Aliyu Yahaya while making the symbolic presentation to the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officer (APWO) of Chanchaga Local Government, who is the Chairman of the APWO’s in the State, maintained that the uniforms and the 8kg Hand luggage belongs to the intending pilgrims who have completed their payments only, ensuring that they are well prepared for the spiritual journey.
He said the 8kg hand luggage provided to the Area Pilgrim Welfare Officers (APWOs) is designed to help manage the personal belongings of the pilgrims, ensuring that they travel light and efficiently.
The Director Administration of the Board, use the medium to call on those who are yet to complete their payments to quickly do so, while urging those that have the intention to do so as quickly as possible.
In his remarks, after receiving the Uniforms and 8kg luggage for the pilgrims of Chanchaga Local Government and the Chairman of the APWO’s, Alhaji Abu Sufyanu , promised to judiciously distribute the items to the intending pilgrims while assuring that he will uphold the highest standards of service as they prepare to assist the pilgrims in their spiritual journey.
This initiative which is an annual exercise is to provide broader strategy to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, addressing logistics challenges that pilgrims often face.
The event was attended by the management of the Board and some APWO’s.
Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring that all intending pilgrims to have a fulfilling and memorable experience, underscoring the significance of the sacred journey.
