Hajj: Radda warns new board chairman against pilgrims’ exploitation

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has warned the newly appointed Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Nasir Abdulrahman, against exploiting intending pilgrims or mismanaging their funds.

The governor charged the chairman to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of his duties, stressing that the welfare of pilgrims must remain the board’s priority.

Radda gave the warning on Thursday while receiving a delegation from Funtua Local Government Area, led by Abdulrahman, during a thank-you visit at the Red Chamber, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

He described Hajj administration as a sensitive responsibility that required dedication, compassion and prudent management of resources, considering the sacrifices Muslims make to fulfil the religious obligation.

“Some people are willing to sell their belongings and make enormous sacrifices just to have the opportunity to perform Hajj.

“Those entrusted with managing their affairs must therefore appreciate the importance of this responsibility and ensure that the interests of intending pilgrims are protected,” the governor said.

He cautioned against the exploitation of pilgrims, as well as the diversion and mismanagement of their funds, insisting that the board must maintain the highest standards of accountability.

Radda said the appointment followed an assessment of the experience, commitment and performance of individuals who had served on relevant committees.

“When the opportunity came, we considered those who had served on the relevant committees and assessed their contributions.

“We know those who work diligently and those who do not give their responsibilities the attention they deserve. These experiences informed our decisions,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence in Abdulrahman’s ability to deliver on his mandate, noting that effective Hajj administration required sound knowledge, practical experience and an understanding of the religious and logistical demands of the exercise.

He described the appointment as an opportunity to serve humanity and support Muslims in fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam.

“Every opportunity to serve is a trust from Almighty Allah. Whatever we achieve is by His grace, and we must remain conscious of our responsibility to the people,” Radda said.

He prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength for the new chairman to succeed in the assignment.

The governor also commended the people of Funtua for their support and solidarity, expressing appreciation for the delegation’s visit and its show of confidence in the appointment.

Radda further congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Professor Nasiru Musa, on his reappointment, wishing him success in advancing academic excellence and institutional development.

Earlier, Musa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, thanked the governor for appointing Abdulrahman, describing the decision as a source of pride to the people of Funtua.

“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency for entrusting this important responsibility to our son.

“Given his experience and exposure, we are confident that he will justify the confidence reposed in him and contribute meaningfully to the effective administration of pilgrims’ affairs in Katsina State,” he said.

Musa also commended the governor’s development initiatives across the state, saying the delegation had visited to express its appreciation and reaffirm the community’s support for his administration.

Another member of the delegation, Malam Abdulrahman Gambo, said it comprised representatives of Funtua’s traditional institutions, business community, youth groups, religious leadership and former senior government officials.

He said the delegation represented a broad cross-section of the community and had come to appreciate the governor for appointing an indigene of Funtua to head the board.

Those present included the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ishaq Shehu Dabai; traditional title holders, business leaders, youth representatives, religious leaders, former senior government officials and other prominent indigenes of Funtua.