1,134 Plateau Muslim pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia

Plateau State on Monday bade farewell to 1,134 Muslim pilgrims departing for the 2026 Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang urging them to uphold discipline and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.

The farewell ceremony at the new office premises of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board along Liberty Boulevard Road, Jos, was attended by government officials, religious leaders and families of the intending pilgrims.

Addressing the pilgrims, Mutfwang said, “We entrust you to the protection of God Almighty, that He will guide you safely to your destination and bring you back in peace, shielding you from every harm that may arise during your journey.”

The governor charged the pilgrims to approach the exercise “with utmost devotion and return home spiritually renewed,” adding that “their conduct in the Holy Land should reflect the core values of Plateau State.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and cautioned those he described as “merchants of crisis” to desist from actions capable of undermining the state’s development.

The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda, said the 1,134 pilgrims comprise 570 sponsored by the state government and 564 self-sponsored.

Dauda commended Mutfwang for his “consistent support to the board and pilgrims,” citing “the provision of a permanent office after over four decades, logistical support through vehicles, and the approval of free ihram garments and hijabs for all pilgrims” as key interventions.

“We have never seen this large number of Muslims being sponsored in the state before,” Dauda said.

He also recalled the governor’s “timely intervention during the 2025 Hajj, when additional meals were approved for pilgrims during a challenging period,” describing the gesture as both compassionate and reassuring.

Amirul Hajj 2026 and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, urged the pilgrims “to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and cooperative throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia,” noting that “their behaviour would reflect the image of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

“Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated remarkable love, compassion, and empathy toward the Muslim community, and therefore deserves their continued support and commitment,” Wase said, encouraging the community “to reciprocate this goodwill at the appropriate time.”

Dauda expressed confidence in Wase’s leadership, stating that “his experience and leadership capacity would ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.”

The event marks a key step in the state’s preparations for the annual pilgrimage as the administration continues to promote religious harmony and citizen welfare.