Chairman Commends Governor Yahaya as N5bn Lifeline Saves Gombe’s 2026 Hajj Slot
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Chairman of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Emir of Dukku Emirate, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid, has commended Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for providing a N5 billion financial intervention that secured Gombe State’s participation in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Emir disclosed that the intervention became critical following new operational timelines introduced by Saudi authorities, which required early and time-bound payments for Hajj slots.
“Immediately after the 2025 Hajj exercise, it was announced that there would be a limited and fixed date for all intending pilgrims to pay for the 2026 exercise,” he said.
He explained that many intending pilgrims in the state were unable to meet the payment deadline due to financial constraints, necessitating government intervention to avoid losing the state’s allocation.
“While the deadline was approaching and many of our people with intention of travelling could not raise the fund at the time, the state government provided N5 billion loan to pay ahead and secure the allocation for our people,” Rashid stated.
According to him, the intervention ensured that Gombe State retained its Hajj slots and was able to proceed with preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage.
We really appreciate the governor for the gesture, which he silently gave without politicising it,” he added.
The Chairman noted that Hajj operations have become more structured and stringent due to reforms introduced by Saudi authorities, stressing that stakeholders must now adapt to the evolving framework.
“Hajj operation is no longer business as usual. Saudi authorities have reformed and changed the process,” he said, while also commending the Executive Secretary of the Board and members for their commitment to seamless preparations.
The chairman further praised Islamic scholars and clerics who participated in the Pilgrims Education, Orientation and Enlightenment (BITA) program, describing their role as vital in preparing intending pilgrims spiritually and administratively.
“I would also like to appreciate the various scholars and preachers who participated in the BITA program,” he said.
Hajj Gazette reports that Gombe State has 965 registered intending pilgrims cleared for airlift for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with departures scheduled to commence on April 4, 2026.
