Gombe Pilgrims Return Safely from 2025 Hajj as State Officials Celebrate Successful Spiritual Journey
From Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu Gombe
The 2025 Hajj operations for Gombe State have concluded with overwhelming success as all pilgrims returned safely to Gombe International Airport, Lawanti, over the weekend. The airlift operation, meticulously coordinated by the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, culminated in joyous reunions as families and officials welcomed back pilgrims who fulfilled their sacred religious obligation in Mecca and Madinah.
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The first batch of 551 pilgrims—comprising 549 from Gombe and 2 from Adamawa State—arrived on Saturday, June 28, at 10:00 AM, in excellent health and high spirits. The second and final flight, initially delayed due to adverse weather, safely landed in Gombe at 11:20 PM on Sunday, June 29, after a precautionary diversion to Kano. A total of 957 pilgrims returned without incident, all in good health and spiritually fulfilled.
Among the returnees on the final flight were Her Excellency, the First Lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya; the Executive Secretary of the Gombe Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan; and the Board Chairman/Emir of Dukku, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rasheed.
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Addressing journalists upon arrival, the Emir of Dukku praised the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, patience, and unity throughout the Hajj exercise. He lauded the board’s dedication in ensuring a seamless pilgrimage, emphasizing the critical role of cooperation between officials and pilgrims in achieving a spiritually rewarding journey.
The Executive Secretary, Alhaji Saadu Hassan, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the incident-free operation and extended appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering support in funding, logistics, and medical provisions. He also acknowledged the professionalism of airline and support staff in managing the flight delay with utmost caution.
Returnees recounted profound spiritual experiences, commending the board for its exceptional arrangements, including quality accommodations, meals, and healthcare in Saudi Arabia. First-time pilgrims expressed awe at the pilgrimage’s impact on their faith, crediting the guidance of board officials and fellow pilgrims for their smooth journey.
In line with standard practice, the board will conduct a post-Hajj debriefing session to gather feedback and evaluate the 2025 operations. Gombe State has received commendations from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities for its efficiency, transparency, and discipline in Hajj management.
As the pilgrims reunite with their families, they carry renewed faith, prayers for Gombe’s prosperity, and gratitude for a pilgrimage marked by safety, dignity, and divine fulfillment.
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class Hajj services, upholding excellence in all future operations.
