The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency on Thursday, 9th July, 2026, participated in a special Hajj review programme organized by the management of Freedom Radio Kano alongside representatives of several State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies across the country.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Ibrahim Datti, the programme was designed to review the overall performance of the 2026 Hajj exercise by highlighting the major achievements recorded, examining the challenges encountered during its implementation, and discussing practical recommendations for improving the planning and execution of the 2027 Hajj operations.
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, was represented at the programme by the Director of Operations, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Yusuf, accompanied by the Agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Datti.
During the discussion, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Yusuf highlighted the remarkable achievements recorded by the Agency during the 2026 Hajj operations. He noted that the exercise was one of the most successful in the Agency’s history, made possible through meticulous planning, effective coordination, and the unwavering support of the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani.
Among the achievements highlighted were the successful coordination of the departure and safe return of all Kaduna State pilgrims, the recording of zero pilgrim deaths throughout the Hajj exercise, smooth outbound and inbound airlift operations, and the provision of quality accommodation, transportation, feeding, and medical services to pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He also explained that the Agency transparently facilitated the refund of unutilised foreign exchange to eligible pilgrims following the subsidized exchange rate provided through the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The Director further highlighted the Agency’s transparent administration, efficient documentation and screening processes, and the successful operation of the Public Address System at both the Mando Hajj Transit Camp and Mina, which greatly enhanced communication and enabled the recovery and return of lost items to their rightful owners.
He acknowledged the visit of the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to pilgrims in Mina during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, where he conveyed Sallah greetings and presented each Kaduna pilgrim with a gift of 300 Saudi Riyals as a gesture of goodwill and support.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman Yusuf also emphasized the Agency’s effective media and public communication strategy through regular press briefings, news releases, public announcements, photographs, videos, and social media updates, which ensured that the public remained well informed before, during, and after the Hajj operations.
He added that the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise received widespread commendation from pilgrims and stakeholders, with the Leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation describing it as the best Hajj operation he had witnessed in over forty-five years due to its transparency, organization, and smooth execution.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the achievements recorded in 2026 while working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure an even more successful 2027 Hajj operation.