2026 Hajj: Pray for Taraba, Nigeria -Kefas tells pilgrims

OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas weekend, advised about 716 intending Muslim Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj operation, to pray for the State and Nigeria for peace, unity and progress, as well as the sustenance of good democracy in the country, especially during this present transition.

Kefas who, spoke on the occasion of farewell ceremony of the State intending Muslim Pilgrims to Makka, described the exercise as important saying it’s one of the five pillars of Islam.

He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim. While expressing happiness and satisfaction for Muslims’ conduct during the 2025 Hajj, the governor emphasized the need for the Pilgrims to be of good behaviour and avoid any act that, would tarnish the good image of the State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Therefore, it is necessary for every Pilgrim to understand that, the performance of Pilgrimage is a religious obligation where every Muslim commit him/herself to the service of God”,

While calling on the special Adviser on Muslim Affairs, the Board officials for a peaceful and successful operation, Kefas, on behalf of the State government, wished the intending Pilgrims a hitch free 2026 Hajj operation.

In an address of welcome earlier, the State chairman, Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Hamma Adama Tukur appreciated Governor Kefas for always assisting and supporting Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board at all times.

Chairman Tukur, who pleaded with the State government to adhere to the National Hajj Commission’s standard of Fourth Four (44) Pilgrims per official consistent with other states in the country, however, informed the Governor that the Hajj seats allocated to the Board and its technical staff for the year’s operation is insufficient.

While calling on the intending Pilgrims to be good Ambassadors of the State while in the holy land, the chairman assured the Governor and the people of the State of the Pilgrims total commitment for hitch free Hajj operation.

In a remark, the acting Executive Secretary, Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Abubakar Tanko said, initially Seven Hundred and Thirty Eight (738) intending Pilgrims from the state indicated interest to perform the 2026 Hajj.

“However, VISA applications were submitted for only seven hundred and twenty three (723) after eighteen failed to complete payment of their Hajj fares before the deadline”,

“Out of the seven hundred and twenty-three (723) VISAs secured, seven were cancelled. The cancellation were due to four deaths, due to an accident involving two intending Pilgrims and one case of Pregnancy”,

“Your Excellency Sir, it’s very impressive to mention here that, the Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) of each Pilgrim is now, Five Hundred US Dollars as informed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Therefore, intending Pilgrims are advised to use their BTA wisely to avoid untold hardship during Hajj”, he added.