By : Kabir Getso
Hajj, the Holy Pilgrimage to the Sacred Land of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every adult Muslim must undertake once in a lifetime provided he/she has the means.
In furtherance of his Good Governance Agenda, the administration of Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has prioritized supporting Muslims in Kebbi State to fulfill this spiritual obligation. Since assuming office in 2023, the Governor has demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving every aspect of the Hajj operation. A major action was the appointment of Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Musa Yaro, (Enabo), a seasoned and dedicated professional, as Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency. He also inaugurated a functional board to assist in steering the Agency’s activities.
Under Alhaji Faruk’s leadership, significant infrastructural upgrades have taken place, including the construction of new offices to accommodate the growing needs of pilgrims, the renovation of the Hajj Camp named after Kauran Gwandu as well as the procurement of new buses for pilgrims’ shuttle.
A historic milestone was achieved in 2024 when Kebbi State hosted the national inaugural airlift of pilgrims from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, eliminating the need for pilgrims to travel to Sokoto. This landmark event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III.
To meet aviation requirements and facilitate this development, Governor Nasir Idris practically constructed a Fuel Aviation Dump at the airport, allowing planes to refuel locally—one of NAHCON’s and aviation authorities’ prerequisites.
Another demonstration of his commitment was the provision of a N1 million subsidy per pilgrim in 2024, following a hike in Hajj fares by NAHCON. Kaura also shouldered the cost of sacrificial animals (Hadaya) and provided free meals to all Kebbi pilgrims in the Holy Land, benevolence designed to continue in 2025.
These efforts were highly acknowledged internationally and nationwide. Kebbi State received recognition and awards from the Saudi Arabian authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for the outstanding success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Looking ahead, the Governor has already inaugurated the 2025 Hajj Committee, with the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, serving as the Amirul Hajj. A man of integrity and vision, the Emir will lead the Government delegation with honour to the Hajj rites.
In addition,16 specialized committees have been established, including those on accommodation, transportation, health, Da’awah, feeding, and more—all set to begin work immediately from May 5, 2025. The first flight is scheduled for May 9, followed by additional flights on May 10, 11, and 12.
Governor Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, declaring that as long as he remains Governor, Kebbi pilgrims will continue to receive top priority and enjoy comfortability both at home and in Saudi Arabia.
The giant strides made in Kebbi State’s Hajj operations are a true reflection of Governor Idris’s visionary leadership and excellent service delivery.
As the first batch of Kebbi State pilgrims departs for the 2025 Hajj on Friday, May 9, 2025, from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris’ assurance of a hitch-free exercise and commitment to their welfare from Kebbi to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia has brought excitement and confidence to the pilgrims and people of the state.
