Second Batch of 558 Kano Pilgrims Departs for Jeddah as Amirul Hajj Urges Discipline, Devotion
The second batch of Kano State pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise has successfully departed Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a total of 558 pilgrims onboard a Max Air flight bound for King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.
The pilgrims departed from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday evening at about 5:42 p.m., amid prayers and farewell messages from government officials, religious leaders, and relatives.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Emir of Gaya, His Royal Highness Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, charged the pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
The Emir emphasized the need for discipline, patience, mutual respect, and total devotion to acts of worship, especially during their stay in the holy city of Madinah.
He reminded the intending pilgrims about the spiritual significance of the journey and urged them to avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of Kano State.
“As you embark on this sacred journey, remember that you are representatives of Kano State and Nigeria. Respect the laws of Saudi Arabia, maintain peace among yourselves, and devote your time to worship and prayers,” the Amirul Hajj stated.
Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir further advised the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary arguments, noise, or distractions, stressing that Madinah remains a sacred city and the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
He also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the pilgrims a successful Hajj exercise, protect them throughout their stay, and return them safely to their families in good health.
The farewell ceremony also served as a platform for officials to reinforce compliance with Hajj regulations and provide final guidance to the pilgrims before departure.
The second batch comprised pilgrims drawn from eight Local Government Areas of Kano State, including Nasarawa, Tarauni, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, and Dawakin Kudu.
The airlift operation was conducted by Max Air as part of the ongoing 2026 Hajj transportation exercise for Kano State pilgrims.