The Ekiti State contingent to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has returned safely to Nigeria, marking the successful completion of this year’s spiritual journey without any casualties or incidents.
Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, a member and voluntary spokesperson of the Ekiti State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaja Fatima Bello, said the returnees were in high spirits; healthy, joyful, and full of gratitude to Almighty Allah for a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience.
She described the overall mood as one of deep thankfulness and renewed spiritual commitment.
Alhaja Bello commended the leadership of the Pilgrims Welfare Board under its Chairman, Alhaji Salman Adedipe, describing the 2025 Hajj as one of the most peaceful and well-organised in recent memory.
She noted that pilgrims’ welfare, logistics, and spiritual needs were excellently handled throughout the pilgrimage.
She further quoted Alhaji Adedipe as confirming that all Ekiti pilgrims dutifully fulfilled their religious obligations with discipline and devotion.
The Chairman expressed profound appreciation to Almighty Allah and thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support, which contributed greatly to the success of the Hajj exercise.
Upon arrival, Alhaji Adedipe also praised the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, describing them as ambassadors of peace and obedience whose unity and patience brought honour to Ekiti State and reflected the true values of Islam.
Similarly, the Amiru Hajj, Barrister Tajudeen Ahmed, applauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its efficient coordination and logistics.
He also lauded Governor Oyebanji for prioritising the welfare and safety of Ekiti pilgrims, highlighting the governor’s hands-on involvement in ensuring quality medical care, accommodation, and feeding arrangements before, during, and after the pilgrimage.
“The Governor’s commitment to the well-being of our pilgrims was evident at every stage. Everything was handled with dignity and excellence,” Barrister Ahmed stated.
The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by their families, friends, and government officials on arrival, with many describing the reunion as emotional and heartwarming.
The successful pilgrimage, observers noted, has not only deepened the spiritual life of the Muslim community in Ekiti but also fostered unity and religious consciousness across the state.
It is hoped that the spiritual lessons and experiences from the Holy Land will continue to inspire greater commitment to faith.
