By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has successfully completed the airlift of over 3,700 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The operation, which involved 12 separate flights, began last Wednesday with an inaugural ceremony flagged off by the Kaduna State Government.

This is contained in a statement on Friday May 23, 2025, by Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, the agency's Public Relations Officer.

Pilgrims from various 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.

In Madinah, the pilgrims are spending four days visiting sacred Islamic sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque. The State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kauru, Alhaji Yau Shehu Usman, is leading several groups on the spiritual excursions.

Malam Kasim Aminu, a member of the Kaduna contingent, confirmed from Madinah that all pilgrims are in good health and full of spiritual zeal.

Meanwhile, the transition of pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah has commenced. The first group of Kaduna pilgrims to arrive in Makkah received a red carpet welcome, a gesture that left many emotionally moved.

They were also provided with welcome packs from the Muassasa, which included water, snacks, and umbrellas.

A total of 910 pilgrims have now arrived in Makkah and are preparing for the main Hajj rites, expected to begin early next month.

The Kaduna State Government and the Pilgrims Welfare Agency have been commended for their efficient coordination and the welfare provided to the pilgrims throughout the journey.