Taraba: 1600 Muslim pilgrims set for 2023 Hajj.
By Sesugh Abaya-Jalingo
The Chairman of the Taraba state Muslim pilgrimage welfare board, Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur said 1600 pilgrims are set to take off to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2023.
The chairman disclosed this in media chat with pressmen in his office, in jalingo the Taraba State capital.
Speaking on the decrease in the number of participants in the Muslim pilgrims this year 2023, compared to the previous years, the chairman of the board said it was as a result of late registration from participants, which led to the National HAJJ Commission reducing the number of allotted seats from 1750 to 1600.
“We asked our pilgrims to come and pay their money on time but they did not, that is why the HAJJ commission reduced 150 seats from the 1750 seats allocated to Taraba state hitherto, because of the negligence of the pilgrims, the reduction is just in Taraba state” He said.
Alhaji Tukur also used the medium to appreciate the executive governor of Taraba state, Dr. Agbu Kefas for his support to the Muslim pilgrim welfare board and for a proactive response to their demands.
He mentioned that it took less than a week in the office for the governor to approve and facilitate the process unlike some of the challenges encountered with the previous administration.
“Dr. Agbu Kefas is also sponsoring the officials, the medical team, preachers, guides, the welfare team and other collaborative teams for the success of the Hajj” He added.
While speaking on the reason some pilgrims have been at the Yola international airport for days, the Chairman had this to say
“Those in the airport, we did not send them to the airport, we did not dismiss them, they just left, we asked them to come back to Taraba state but they refused. They said it is their choice. They are there because they are eager to go to Saudi Arabia, they are probably tired of staying in Taraba, staying there at the airport makes them feel they are in Saudi Arabia already. But I am giving you an assurance that we are not leaving anyone behind, we would all go to Mecca”
The chairman also said added that due to the limited time frame they had, the pilgrims leaving for Mecca were not given much orientation as they ought to, adding that normally the camp is to take two to three days but they had a brief with them here in this premises.
He however mentioned that there are officials that will be leaving with them to the be their guide over there.
Alhaji Tukur further made a call on the pilgrims to pray for the government, from national to local, families’ neighbors so there can be peace and development in our state and society, while they are out there in Mecca.
He encouraged intending pilgrims who would like to be in Saudi Arabia next year to start their payment on time to avoid delays and rushing of activities when the time is due.
Alhaji Tuktur however assured the public and the Muslim pilgrims who are set for Saudi Arabia that this HAJJ will be a success and there is no cause to worry, stating that the all measures have been put together and all is set for the journey.
