A civil society organization, Independent Hajj Reporters IHR, has commended Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State for allocating Hajj seats to local government pilgrim officers.
This was contained in a statement to Radio Nigeria in Dutse by the National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed.
The statement explained that, the organisation appreciated Malam Umar Namadi for his foresight and positive decisions towards improving the welfare of Jigawa State Pilgrims in forthcoming Hajj operations.
“We applauded the decision of His Excellency to appoint the local pilgrims’ officers as hajj officials for the 2025 Hajj. The decision will result in the improvement of the welfare of Jigawa State Pilgrim during the 2025 Hajj”
Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed said local Hajj officials are the closest to the pilgrims because they are responsible for registering them, and most of them come from the same localities. This familiarity allows pilgrims to have unhindered access to the officials at any time.
He therefore, urged other State governors to emulate their Jigawa counterparts by allocating hajj slots to those who will serve the pilgrims in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“States should adopt a merit-based approach in the appointment of hajj officials as such measures will ensure that pilgrims get value for their money and also encourage healthy competition among states pilgrims’ board’s employees”
He further urged other State Muslim Pilgrims Boards to emulate the added value service delivery steps taken by the Director General of Jigawa State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo.
He added that the Welfare and wellbeing of pilgrims should be the primary priority and focus of Federal and State Hajj officials.
Mohammed said, Governor Namadi has also approved and released N1.8 billion operational funds for the state pilgrims welfare board for the 2025 Hajj operations.
It could be recalled that IHR awarded Governor Namadi in September, as the 2024 Hajj Governor of the year during its annual Hajj lecture and award.
COV/USMAN MZ
