The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has been honoured with an Award of Commendation by the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport Command.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, said the recognition, according to the Comptroller of the Service at the command, Issa Adebayo Olaniyan, is in acknowledgement of the Director General’s proactive planning and arrangements ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He explained that the visit was part of efforts to deepen synergy and improve coordination between both institutions for a seamless operation.
Responding, Matawalle expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to sustain a strong working relationship with the Immigration Service to ensure efficient and hitch-free Hajj operations.
Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Isyaku Abdullahi Kubarachi, also paid a courtesy visit to the Board.
The agency outlined its planned contributions toward enhancing the success of the pilgrimage.
Matawalle welcomed the initiative, assuring that SEMA would be fully integrated into the Hajj coordination framework.
He disclosed plans to appoint a representative of the agency into the Joint Hajj Security Committee to strengthen safety measures.
In the same vein, a delegation from Max Air, led by Mr. Oumo Remos, engaged the Board on airlift arrangements, including flight schedules and timelines.
The airline advised intending pilgrims to comply with baggage regulations to avoid delays.
The Director General stressed that the Board would not condone unnecessary delays from airlines during the operation, reiterating its commitment to a smooth exercise.
He concluded with prayers for a safe and successful pilgrimage for all intending pilgrims from the state.