From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
No fewer than 716 intending pilgrims from Taraba State are expected to depart Jalingo for the Holy Land on Sunday, as the state government warned them against carrying contraband items into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
However, no reason was given for the state government’s decision not to appoint an Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Holy Pilgrimage.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims on Saturday in Jalingo, Governor Agbu Kefas reminded them of the five pillars of Islam, which underscore the religious obligations of every Muslim in service to Allah.
The governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Arch. Mohammed Al’amin Ibrahim, urged the pilgrims to maintain good conduct and avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image of Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
Kefas said the government places high premium on both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages, explaining that this informed his administration’s continued attention to religious activities in the state.
He also urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity and the sustenance of democracy in Taraba State and Nigeria, especially during this transition period.
In his farewell message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims’ Affairs, Alh. Hammanadama Tukur, disclosed that the intending pilgrims had been adequately sensitised on what is expected of them while in the Holy Land.
Tukur stated that the pilgrims were provided with uniforms for easy identification in order to minimise cases of missing persons during the pilgrimage.
While appreciating Governor Kefas for his support, the Special Adviser pledged the board’s commitment to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj operation.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, disclosed that the 716 intending pilgrims would depart Jalingo for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
According to him, out of the 738 intending pilgrims who indicated interest in performing the 2026 Hajj, visa applications were submitted for only 716 after 18 failed to complete payment of their Hajj fares before the deadline.
He further stated that although 723 visas were secured, seven were cancelled due to the death of six persons — four from natural causes and two from motor accidents — while one applicant was found to be pregnant.
Tanko urged the intending pilgrims to make judicious use of their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) to avoid hardship during the Hajj exercise.
He also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his moral and financial support towards the success of the programme.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board, Gambo Alhaji Malami, drew the attention of the state government to the limited seats allocated to board members and technical staff, describing the number as inadequate.
“Despite current economic challenges, we hope and pray that the state government will adhere to the National Hajj Commission’s Standard of Forty-Four Pilgrims per official consistent with other states in the Country.”
“Therefore, we are assuring his Excellency our total commitment for the Hitch-Free Hajj Operation.”
