By SANI DUTSINMA
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has applauded the ongoing transformation in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), particularly the improvements recorded in the airlift of pilgrims to the Holy Land and their safe return to Nigeria.
The Governor gave the commendation when he received a delegation from NAHCON, led by the National Commissioner in charge of North West and Board Member, Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman, who paid a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi as part of preparations for the 2027 Hajj operation.
Governor Idris commended the leadership of NAHCON for being alive to its responsibilities, noting that the changes being introduced were signs that knowledgeable and committed individuals have been entrusted with the management of the Commission.
He said Kebbi State would continue to collaborate with NAHCON and embrace reforms aimed at improving Hajj operations, including the proposed involvement of private operators.
Nasir Idris attributed Kebbi State’s consistently high number of pilgrims to the administration’s economic empowerment programmes, particularly its sustained support to farmers.
He said the government has provided farmers with agricultural inputs and equipment, including fertiliser, power tillers, solar-powered irrigation pumps, CNG pumps and herbicides, free of charge.
According to him, the measures have strengthened the purchasing power of the people and contributed significantly to the increasing number of Kebbi pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
Governor Idris further disclosed that his administration has continued to pay the Hadyah for Kebbi pilgrims to reduce the financial burden on them.
He said, “Provided I remain all the years that God gives me to serve as Governor, pilgrims of Kebbi State will never pay Hadyah. Government of Kebbi State will continue to pay Hadyah for them.”
He explained that the gesture was part of his commitment to supporting the people, particularly pilgrims who travel to the Holy Land to worship and pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria and Kebbi State.
Earlier, the leader of the NAHCON delegation, Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman, conveyed the greetings of the Commission’s Chairman, Ismai Abba and commended Governor Idris and the Kebbi State Government for their commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman said the delegation was visiting states across the country to engage governors and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 Hajj, stressing that governors were critical stakeholders in ensuring a successful and hitch-free Hajj operation.
In his remark, the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu, disclosed that Kebbi State so far recorded the highest number of registered pilgrims in Nigeria, with 3,257 pilgrims registered.
He also stated that the state had remitted N21.5 billion into the NAHCON account and was expected to remit an additional N5 billion shortly.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
