In my 2023 feature article titled “Security Architecture of Kano Pilgrim: A Systemic Approach by the Administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf (Abba Gida-Gida), I emphasized the level of preparedness of the Kano State Pilgrims Board pertaining to the general security of the intending pilgrim before, during and after the Hajj. This is barely less than a month after the inauguration of new administration in the State.
Now another season of Hajj Operation is around the corner and the Government under the able Leadership of the enviable Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is standing tall and ready to do everything possible that will ensure a successful and hitch-free conduct of the 2024 Hajj. May Allah (S.W.T) guide the Governor and the Board to achieve the desired success in this area and indeed in all other areas of governance.
The important of this feature article is to commend the Governor for his timely intervention in subsidizing the 2024 Hajj Fares in the State. Cognizance of the value for the Naira against the US Dollar, the Executive Governor of Kano State in his magnanimity decided to support a total number of 2906 intending pilgrims with 500,000 Naira each to enable them meet the NAHCON deadline of payment of Hajj fare. The intending pilgrims were those who have already deposited amount with the Board and were asked to pay additional money before they can qualify for the 2024 Hajj. In this regard, the Executive Governor has granted subsidy to these intending pilgrims in the total sum of One Billion and Four Hundred and Fifty Three Million Naira.
The Board on its part is working round the clock to ensure the desired success of the 2024 Hajj operation. One of the most important aspect at this critical stage is enlightenment. The intending pilgrims have to be educated on how to perform all the pilgrimage rights as well as how to conduct themselves in the Holy Land. The enlightenment department in my survey has almost recorded 80% success. The remaining 20% will be achieved in the following days culminating on the 8th day of Zuhijja while in Saudi-Arabia.
The security and other operational arrangements are almost the same as last years as all standing committee have been reconstituted and are given all the necessary guide by the Executive Chairman, the Director General Alh. Laminu Rabi’u Danbaffa, as well as the entire Board members. Accordingly, all intending pilgrim are further alerted to be extra careful about their luggages before and after the Hajj, as well as on the items banned by the Saudi Arabian Government. They are educated accordingly on how to keep their travelling documents especially their DTA. The Nigerian Police, Immigration Service, DSS, Custom Service, the Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante groups and members of National Orientation Agency are on the Committee to help and guide the pilgrims.
Government has sponsored Medical Directors, Nurses and Pharmacists in order to attend to those who are likely fall to sick before during and after the Hajj exercise. The Hisba Personnel are also accompanying the pilgrims to provide them with further guidance especially on how to conduct themselves in the houses at Mecca and Medina as well as in their Khaimars at Mina and Arafat. It is also going to be the work of the Hisba officials and other staff of the Board to compel pilgrims to use identification materials such as Uniforms, ID Cards, Wrist Bands, accommodation address cards and hand bags containing additional personnel information.
While I pray for Allah (SWT) to guide and protect our pilgrims during airlift to and from Saudi-Arabia, during the performance of Hajj rights and duties, I will also urge the intending pilgrims to bow their heads and ardently pray for this Government of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to achieve all its campaign promises and make Kano a better place in particular and to our motherland Nigeria in general.
God Bless:
Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kwankwasiyya Movement and God Bless Kano State.
Abdullahi Mahmud Umar
Writer from Yola, Kano.
