Pilgrims from Kebbi State have commended the welfare and logistical support provided by the state government during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, describing the measures as ‘instrumental to a smooth and successful exercise.’
The pilgrims said the interventions contributed to an orderly pilgrimage, enabling participants to complete the religious rites and return safely to Nigeria.
The commendation was made during an appreciation gathering at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Birnin Kebbi, where pilgrims from the state’s 21 local government areas reflected on their experiences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Yaro, said the government’s support enhanced the welfare of pilgrims and ensured effective coordination throughout the pilgrimage.
He noted that “the improved arrangements contributed to a hitch-free and spiritually fulfilling Hajj, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in pilgrim welfare and logistics.”
According to Alhaji Faruk, “Governor Idris demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims from the preparation stage through to their safe return to Nigeria.”
He said the pilgrims benefited from the payment of Hadaya (sacrificial obligations), financial assistance and significantly improved feeding arrangements throughout the pilgrimage.
Alhaji Faruk disclosed that all Kebbi pilgrims successfully performed the Hajj rites and returned home safely and in good health. He attributed the achievement to the grace of Allah and the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of the pilgrims.
He also commended the Amirul Hajj delegation and officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise.
According to him, “pilgrims received adequate care and support during their stay in Madinah, Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, making the pilgrimage both comfortable and spiritually fulfilling.”
He further said that the pilgrims remained healthy, disciplined and appreciative of the government’s interventions.
Alhaji Faruk stated that the pilgrims consistently offered prayers for Governor Idris, his family, the administration and the people of Kebbi State.
He explained that the appreciation gathering was initiated by the pilgrims themselves to acknowledge the Governor’s exemplary leadership and unwavering support.
As a token of gratitude, representatives of the pilgrims and Hajj guides presented Governor Idris with agricultural produce, including bags of sorghum, onions and pumpkins, as well as a ram.
They said the gifts symbolised the positive impact of the administration’s agricultural empowerment programmes, which enabled many beneficiaries to engage in profitable farming and generate enough income to perform the Hajj.
The pilgrims also commended the Governor for providing fertiliser, farming implements and other agricultural support, noting that many participants financed their pilgrimage through proceeds from farming and livestock activities.
On logistics, Alhaji Faruk disclosed that the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency successfully transported about 7,860 kilogrammes of pilgrims’ luggage without denying any pilgrim his or her baggage entitlement.
He added that additional arrangements were made to ensure all pilgrims received the services due to them.
In his response, Governor Nasir Idris thanked the pilgrims for the gesture and assured them that his administration would continue to prioritise programmes and policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
The Governor said every support provided during the Hajj was intended to ensure the comfort of pilgrims while enabling them to perform their religious obligations in an atmosphere of dignity, peace and ease.
He also commended the Amirul Hajj, members of the Hajj delegation, officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening welfare arrangements for future Hajj operations and thanked the pilgrims for their prayers and continued support for his government.
