By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has expressed profound gratitude for the successful completion of the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, announcing the safe return of all 2,682 pilgrims.
“To be honest and sincere, for over 10 – 15 years, we have never had such a peaceful, credible, rancor-free, and successful Hajj exercise like the one we performed this year, 2024,” remarked Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, the Executive Secretary of the board.
In a press briefing held in Bauchi on Tuesday, Imam Idris confirmed the arrival of the board’s sixth and final flight, concluding this year’s pilgrimage activities for Bauchi State.
“We utilized six aircraft for the airlift, each completing the journey to and from Saudi Arabia within nine days,” he said.
The pilgrims were well accommodated in Mecca, Medina, and Mina, completing their pilgrimage in 38 days, a significant reduction from the previous 43 days.
Imam Abdurrahman attributed the success to early preparations and the streamlined visa process for the state’s pilgrims. He also mentioned that the Saudi Arabian authorities have released the timetable for the 2025 Hajj, which promises a smoother planning process.
He commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his moral and financial support, which enabled the use of multiple aircraft for the pilgrimage.
Despite the success, Imam Idris highlighted the challenge of inadequate basic traveling allowance (BTA) for the pilgrims, which was slightly over $400. Governor Mohammed supplemented this with an additional $100 for each pilgrim, along with a Sallah gift of 300 Riyals. The Governor’s wife, Dr. A’isha Bala Mohammed, also contributed prayer and bed sheets for the pilgrims.
The exercise saw minimal casualties, with only one pilgrim from Bauchi, Alh. Ismail from Toro LGA, passing away after completing the Hajj duties.
Imam Idris also noted the financial strain due to the increased Hajj fares, with an additional N2 million per pilgrim being a significant burden.
The board remains committed to improving future pilgrimages and expressed optimism for an even better experience in 2025.
