Another batch of beneficiaries sponsored by the former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has arrived in Medina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah, as part of the ongoing spiritual exercise in the closing days of the holy month of Ramadan.
The latest group of pilgrims joins earlier beneficiaries who had arrived ahead of them and have been observing prayers and other rites in the holy cities of Medina and Makkah, where millions of Muslims from around the world have gathered for the spiritually significant last ten days of Ramadan.
The newly arrived pilgrims have since begun preparations to undertake the Umrah rites while participating in nightly prayers and supplications at the sacred sites.
Some members of the group, who spoke shortly after their arrival, expressed profound gratitude to the former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, describing the opportunity as a rare privilege that will remain memorable for the rest of their lives.
According to them, performing the pilgrimage during the final days of Ramadan — a period believed by many Muslims to contain the blessed Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) — carries immense spiritual significance.
“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity. Being able to witness the last days of Ramadan in the holy land and perform Umrah is a blessing. We continue to pray that Almighty Allah rewards Dr Saraki abundantly for this kindness,” one of the beneficiaries said.
Speaking on the development, the Press Officer on Local Matters in the Saraki Media Office, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said the latest set of beneficiaries is led by Imam Sheikh Abdulrasaq Aduagba, adding that their arrival forms part of the broader arrangement to ensure that more deserving Kwarans benefit from the spiritual exercise.
He explained that while the new batch was arriving in Medina, the earlier contingent of pilgrims had already begun their movement to Makkah for the continuation of their spiritual journey and the performance of the Umrah rites.
Abdulqadir further noted that, like the earlier batch, the new beneficiaries were selected from different segments of society, including Islamic scholars, community leaders, youth representatives and members of various religious and social groups across the state.
Observers say the arrival of the new batch further highlights what many describe as Saraki’s continued commitment to supporting religious devotion and community welfare, especially during important periods in the Islamic calendar.
For the beneficiaries, the opportunity goes beyond the journey itself; it represents a moment of deep spiritual reflection and gratitude — one they believe will remain a lasting memory of generosity associated with the Saraki family.
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