The Niger State Government North Central Nigeria has appointed the Emir and Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Barau Mu’azu II, as the Amirul Hajj for the 2027 pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday in Minna by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on behalf of the state government.
The SSG said the appointment was based on the Emir’s exemplary leadership, knowledge of Islam, integrity and commitment to the welfare and unity of the people.
He said the Emir’s experience and fatherly disposition would help provide effective spiritual leadership and guidance to Niger State pilgrims before, during and after the Hajj.
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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the appointment as a deliberate decision, citing the Emir’s wealth of experience, maturity and commitment to public service.
The Governor expressed confidence that the Emir’s leadership would contribute to the effective coordination of the state’s pilgrims and encourage them to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Niger State and Nigeria throughout the pilgrimage.
In his response, the Emir of Kontagora thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work closely with the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, led by its Executive Secretary, Muhammad Awwal Aliyu.
He promised to ensure that the pilgrims receive quality services and perform an acceptable Hajj.
The Emir urged intending pilgrims to abide by the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia, as well as the guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.
He also called on the pilgrims to use the spiritual journey to pray for peace, stability and sustainable development in Niger State and Nigeria.
The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board congratulated the Emir on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure as Amirul Hajj
