Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has warned 2025 Hajj pilgrims from the state to avoid acts that could tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad. Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, Yahaya issued the caution during a farewell ceremony on Sunday in Gombe.
“I call on you not to engage in any illegal act that would tarnish your image and that of our dear state and country,” he said.
He warned against involvement in drug trafficking, stressing that “anybody caught carrying prohibited items, especially narcotic drugs, whose penalty in Saudi Arabia is death, should have himself/herself to blame.”
Yahaya urged pilgrims to obey authorities and avoid unruly behavior. He also tasked the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board with ensuring proper care for the pilgrims.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Saadu Hassan, said 957 pilgrims would be airlifted, with 512 departing Monday and 445 on Tuesday. The Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rashid II, praised the governor’s support.