The Kebbi State Government has flagged off the distribution of uniforms, bags and hijabs to Hajj guides across the 21 local government areas, as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The ceremony took place at the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency in Birnin Kebbi, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, comfort and seamless movement of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Nasir Idris performed the symbolic presentation to a Hajj guide from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, stating that the initiative fulfilled his administration’s promise to improve the welfare of pilgrims and officials involved in the annual exercise.
He commended the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruk Musa Yaro, for his leadership and dedication, noting that the agency had distinguished itself nationally in pilgrims’ welfare, feeding, transportation and coordination.
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The Governor recalled that his administration had introduced several improvements in Hajj operations, including the provision of two bags for each pilgrim instead of one, alongside other essential items to make the pilgrimage more convenient and dignified.
He expressed satisfaction with the state’s record in Hajj operations, stating that no pilgrim from Kebbi had been involved in activities capable of tarnishing the image of the state or the country during the pilgrimage.
According to Idris, Kebbi State had earned national recognition in Hajj management, particularly in feeding and logistics, with pilgrims from other states acknowledging the quality of services provided to Kebbi contingents in Saudi Arabia.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, performed a symbolic presentation to a Hajj guide from Yauri Local Government Area, reaffirming support for the success of Hajj operations in the state.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency said the distribution formed part of broader arrangements to ensure a hitch-free 2026 Hajj.
He further stated that Kebbi ranked among the leading states in terms of preparedness, with visa processing, flight scheduling, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and pilgrims’ identification largely completed ahead of departure.
Yaro also highlighted key innovations for the exercise, including improved identification cards, Nusuk processing arrangements, and plans to pay the Basic Travel Allowance in Saudi riyals to ease transactions for pilgrims, adding that the distribution of materials to guides demonstrated the state government’s resolve to ensure a well-organised and successful pilgrimage in 2026.