The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially announced the airlift schedule for intending pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj exercise to Saudi Arabia.

According to the Director General of the board, Alhaji Umar Labbo, the first batch of pilgrims will depart on May 18, 2025, while the second batch is scheduled to leave on May 20, 2025. Both flights will transport pilgrims directly from Jigawa State to the Holy Land.

The announcement was made during a meeting with Aminul Hajj and its members held in Dutse, the state capital.

Alhaji Labbo urged all 930 intending pilgrims from the state to make adequate preparations ahead of the scheduled departure dates. He emphasized the importance of being ready on time to ensure a smooth airlift operation.

"I call on all our intending pilgrims to be adequately prepared ahead of the scheduled dates," Labbo stated. He further advised the pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of both Jigawa State and Nigeria during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

This year's contingent from Jigawa State consists of 930 pilgrims who will participate in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.

The Hajj, which takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, is a mandatory religious duty that must be carried out at least once in a lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board continues to work closely with federal authorities and Saudi Arabian officials to ensure a hitch-free Hajj experience for all pilgrims from the state.