The Kebbi State government has inaugurated members of its Hajj delegation and various subcommittees ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage operation. 

The event also featured the flag-off of vaccination for intending pilgrims.

The chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA), Faruk Aliyu-Yaro, inaugurated the committees in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He said the inauguration marked a major step toward ensuring a smooth and successful pilgrimage.

Mr Aliyu-Yaro said the 2026 pilgrimage would be the fourth Hajj to be conducted under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, noting that the state had continued to record significant improvements in Hajj operations.

“We have gathered here to deliberate on issues relating to the 2026 Hajj exercise.

“This is the fourth Hajj under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, and the state has recorded tremendous achievements, particularly in Hajj management,” he said.

Mr Aliyu-Yaro commended members of the committees and the government delegation for their commitment, stressing that Hajj operations demand patience, sacrifice and a high sense of responsibility.

According to him, experience has shown that quality service delivery to pilgrims promotes goodwill, while lapses in duty could result in long-lasting dissatisfaction.

“One important lesson from my experience is that when you satisfy a pilgrim, he remains pleased with you throughout the year. However, if you fall short, the dissatisfaction lingers just as long,” he said.

Mr Aliyu-Yaro urged all officials to discharge their responsibilities in the fear of God Almighty, reminding them that they would be held accountable for their actions.

He described the 2026 Hajj as particularly significant, being the last exercise of the governor’s first tenure and coinciding with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We should expect criticisms and even provocation, but we must remain focused and committed to delivering a hitch-free and successful Hajj operation,” he said.

The chairman also disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj had commenced, adding that intending pilgrims were expected to make an initial deposit.

He added that although the initial deposit proposal was set at N7 million, the governor approved reducing it to N5 million as the first deposit to make participation easier for prospective pilgrims.

Also speaking, the Amirul-Hajj and chairman of the government delegation, Ahmad Jafar, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s level of preparedness.

“We held a meeting with the agency’s leadership on Friday, and we are impressed with the preparations under the leadership of Aliyu-Yaro,” he said.

Mr Jafar thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the delegation and assured that members would work assiduously to ensure a successful Hajj operation.

He said the delegation had also engaged Hajj guides from the 21 local government areas and urged them to regard the assignment as service to humanity and an act of worship.

“We have been entrusted with this responsibility, and by the grace of God Almighty, we will deliver,” he said.

The committees inaugurated include Camp, Transport, Feeding, Mina and Arafat, General Welfare, Hygiene, Ulama, Accommodation, Airport and Reception, Information and Publicity, Jamrah, Disciplinary, Security and Nusuq committees, among others. 

(NAN)