Hajj: Kaduna Pilgrims deserve quality service—Gov

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has directed that Kaduna State pilgrims receive adequate support before, during, and after the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise.
The Director of Operations of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Yusuf, assured that management and staff will fully comply with this directive.
A press statement from the Chief Press Secretary of the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, quoted the Director as saying that all measures have been taken to ensure Kaduna State pilgrims are comfortable.
Alhaji Abubakar disclosed that “the Governor has already remodeled and upgraded the Mando Hajj Transit Camp with modern facilities for a smooth Hajj operation.”
“The camp now features five-star hotel facilities, with dedicated sections for male and female pilgrims, including comfortable rooms and sanitary facilities,” he said.
The Director further stated that “there is a state-of-the-art ICT Center, an ultra-modern hall, and offices at the Hajj camp,” adding that “the head office of the pilgrims agency can operate from there to facilitate the movement of pilgrims to the airport.”
He also mentioned that the Hajj camp has been tarred, security has been reinforced, and a section has been designated as a commercial hub where pilgrims can make all their purchases without leaving the premises.
According to him, the Hajj camp in Mando, Igabi Local Government, has a continuous power supply, which will further streamline Hajj operations this year.
The Director also expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for donating a fleet of CNG buses to the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, ensuring hassle-free transportation for pilgrims to the airport.
Alhaji Abubakar added that all arrangements have been made in Saudi Arabia to ensure pilgrims are comfortable in the Holy Land during this year’s Hajj.
He praised Governor Uba Sani for the progress the pilgrims agency has achieved since taking office in 2023, which has led to improved Hajj operations.
He recalled that the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency was recognized in 2023 for providing high-quality accommodation for pilgrims.
In 2024, the Independent Hajj Reporters also commended Kaduna State for successfully evacuating all intending pilgrims to Makkah ten days before the closing of King Abdulaziz International Airport,” he recalled.
Alhaji Abubakar also stated that the agency was praised for its transparency during the “Hadaya” (animal sacrifice) process, which led to a $50 refund for pilgrims.