By Muhammad Lawal
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, says it has registered 3,257 intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The agency also remitted N21.5 billion in Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Its Chairman, Alhaji Faruk Enabo, said this when a delegation of the commission paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Nasir Idris, on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said that the agency would soon remit the final payment of N5 billion to the commission to beat the Sept. 26 deadline set by the Saudi authorities for the closure of intending pilgrims registration.
Enabo said that the agency had attained 95 per cent registration of intending pilgrims and 85 per cent remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON.
He advised intending pilgrims who made an initial deposit of N5 million to hasten the completion of payment.
The chairman said that the agency was conducting medical screening exercises at the local government levels, adding that the exercise would progress to zonal and state levels, to meet the Saudi Arabian standards.
Enabo lauded Idris for his support to the agency, which culminated in remarkable successes for the state.
Responding, Idris commended the NAHCON for the visit aimed at facilitating the successful conduct of the exercise.
“To brainstorm on how best the 2027 Hajj operation will be successful. Let us commend NAHCON for being alive to its responsibility. We have seen a lot of changes and transformation under the current leadership of the commission.
“We have seen good changes in terms of airlift of pilgrims. This is a clear sign that people with knowledge and who are ready to work have been appointed into the leadership and administrative sections of NAHCON.
“We are happy that Kebbi is leading not only in terms of the number of pilgrims but also in other aspects towards a successful Hajj operation”.
Nasir said that the state was appreciative of the good conduct of its pilgrims, and commended Enabo for the feat achieved.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, said that the commission was making committed preparations for the upcoming 2027 Hajj operation.
Usman, who is also the NAHCON Commissioner for the North-West, highlighted the need for the commission to engage stakeholders across the six geo-political zones in the country.
According to Usman, state governors are critical stakeholders in ensuring successful Hajj operations.
“It is important to appreciate the efforts of the Kebbi government towards a successful Hajj operation. Kebbi had the highest number of pilgrims last year and you did well.
“The success was achieved through the efforts of the energetic executive chairman of the agency, and his colleagues in this task”.
