*As Prof Saleh continues nationwide tour, visits the Emir of Argungu; Izala, Darika Ulamah
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to take practical measures to improve on subsequent Hajj operations in the country.
The Governor spoke on Friday at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, when the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman and his team paid him a courtesy call.
The meeting, Muslim News gathered, was in continuation of the NAHCON boss’ nationwide tour to engage governors, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to garner support and blessings for next year’s hajj.
While receiving Prof Saleh Usman and his entourage, including NAHCON Commissioner PRSILS, Professor Abubakar Yagawal, at Kebbi State Government House, Gov Idris recalled with nostalgia the various challenges that bedevilled the conduct of the 2024 Hajj operations by NAHCON.
Dr Idris recalled the poor arrangements made as regards the provision of accommodation for the pilgrims and other crucial services.
He lamented that the pilgrims were not adequately taken off by the commission in Makkah, Medina and other holy sites.
The Governor said, “I was also a witness as I performed the last Hajj and myself, alongside some Governors, other highly placed Nigerians and our pilgrims were stranded and left to suffer.
“However, I am extremely confident in the ability of the new NAHCON team to change the negative narratives.
“Plausible measures should be urgently taken to reverse the ugly story about the 2024 Hajj and seriously improve on the exercise.”
He promised to assist NAHCON in improving the conduct of Hajj in 2025 and beyond.
Dr Idris also said his administration is fully committed to ensuring the conduct of an efficient Hajj exercise.
“We will continue to render the needed support to our Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) and NAHCON in this direction and we will never relent,” he vowed.
Earlier in his speech, Prof. Usman Saleh told the Governor that the visit was part of their nationwide tour to inform Nigerians of the excellent arrangements being made by NAHCON to organise proper Hajj operations in 2025 and beyond.
He listed some measures being taken by the commission to alleviate the suffering of the pilgrims both at home and in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, they include pondering on the payment of Hajj fares in Naira rather than the US dollar, saying, “This is to bring down the fares.
“We have recorded some positive developments in this direction and the discussions are still on.
“We are making efforts to increase the number of banks handling the Hajj saving scheme like Taj and Lotus banks.”
Pakistan extolled the invaluable support of Dr Idris towards ensuring the success of the 2024 Hajj, urging him not to relent.
“With your support and other critical stakeholders, we are fully committed to reversing the ugly trend we inherited.”
Visit to Emir of Argungu, Ulamah
Prof Saleh Usman, who left Lagos for Kebbi on Thursday, also visited the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammed Mera, in Kebbi State while on the familiarisation tour of the country.
He also had a meeting with Ulamas from both the Izala and Darika sects on Hajj enlightenment at the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Kebbi State.
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