The Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Yola, has officially flagged off the 2025 Hajj Education and Enlightenment program, popularly known as Bita.
The program commenced with intending pilgrims from Yola North and Madagali at the commission’s conference hall in Yola.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mallam Salihu Abubakar, emphasized that attending the Bita sessions is mandatory for all intending pilgrims.
He urged participants to attend diligently to gain the necessary knowledge for a successful Hajj experience.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Boda, the Executive Secretary warned that the commission would not tolerate negligence or absence from the sessions.
Mallam Abubakar also encouraged intending pilgrims to ensure full payment of their Hajj fares by the end of January 2025 to secure their participation.
He called on schedule officers across the 21 local government areas to commence enlightenment programs for intending pilgrims in their areas, stressing the importance of early preparation.
In her keynote address, the Director of Finance and Supply, Hajiya Maryam Zubairu, urged intending pilgrims to open personal bank accounts.
She reiterated the importance of meeting the January 31 deadline for Hajj fare payments.
The Director of Communication and Pilgrims Enlightenment, Alhaji Bashiru Alkasim, appealed to participants to heed the teachings of the scholars during the Bita sessions.
He highlighted that following the guidelines would help them perform an acceptable Hajj, with Paradise as its ultimate reward.
The program featured lectures on the importance of Bita for pilgrims, delivered by Mallam Musa Usman, and the principles of Hajj under Shariah, presented by Chubado Muhammad.
Both scholars emphasized the significance of performing Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, providing participants with an opportunity to seek clarifications on various aspects of the Hajj exercise.