Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has called on the state's intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria's peaceful coexistence during their stay in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The Governor made this appeal on Monday night while bidding farewell to the first batch of 550 pilgrims at the Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport. The pilgrims were airlifted around midnight to Saudi Arabia to participate in this year's Hajj.

In his address, Governor Namadi congratulated the pilgrims for being selected by Allah to participate in the sacred journey. He urged them to remain focused on the spiritual purpose of their pilgrimage while serving as good ambassadors of Jigawa State and Nigeria during their stay in the Holy Land.

"Remember the reason you embarked on this journey and also pray for the state and the country," the Governor advised the pilgrims.

Ahmed Umar Labbo, Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, revealed that the 550 pilgrims were drawn from 24 out of the 27 local government areas in the state. These include Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi, Gumel, Gagarawa, Garki, Maigatari, Sule Tankarkar, Babura, Jahun, Miga, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Kirikasamma, Guri, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Dutse, Kiyawa, Ringim, and Gwaram.

The flight also included officials from the state pilgrims board, medical personnel, and other key stakeholders to ensure proper coordination and support for the pilgrims.

Labbo assured that the board had completed all necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Several pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the state government and the pilgrims board for their commitment to ensuring their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise.

The 2025 Hajj operations have begun across Nigeria, with various states commencing the airlift of their pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.