ASHENEWS reports that the Kebbi State Government has received three prestigious awards from Saudi Arabia in recognition of the state’s exceptional commitment to the success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
This announcement was made by the Chairman of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency (PWA), Faruk Aliyu Enabo, during a courtesy call on the Governor at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Monday.
Kebbi State was awarded for the best Hajj airlift exercise, excellent feeding arrangement, and the peaceful conduct of pilgrims during the Hajj period, outperforming all other Nigerian states.
Enabo, visibly elated, stated that the state was among the best globally in the diligent conduct of the 2024 Hajj exercise. He attributed the success to the governor’s exemplary and unparalleled commitment.
Enabo highlighted that the agency had not experienced such success in the past twenty years, saying, “We have never truly lived up to our name as the PWA until this year’s Hajj. We had excellent arrangements for the Hajj exercise from beginning to end, all thanks to the adequate funding of our activities by the Governor.”
He added, “In addition, the Governor provided each pilgrim from Kebbi State with ₦1 million to complete the Hajj fare, covered the cost of sacrificial animals for all pilgrims in the Holy Land, and donated 200 Saudi Riyals to every pilgrim. This feat is unprecedented in the history of Kebbi State.”
Enabo also praised the governor for appointing capable and experienced board members who performed their tasks commendably. “We are grateful for your invaluable support,” he emphasized.
Enabo expressed happiness that the pilgrims from the state were well taken care of both at home and in Saudi Arabia. He also commended the governor’s wives for their efforts in caring for the female pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj.
“They did their best to take good care of the female pilgrims and deserve pats on their backs,” Enabo noted. He also praised the State House of Assembly and other Hajj sub-committees for their support and diligent handling of the exercise.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris expressed confidence in the board and management staff of the agency. “I have no regrets appointing them. I am also happy that you made us proud and that the pilgrims were well taken care of. While pilgrims from other states were grumbling about neglect, pilgrims from Kebbi State were clearly jubilant,” he said.
Dr. Idris acknowledged that Hajj is always associated with unforeseen challenges, but praised those entrusted with the conduct of the 2024 Hajj in the state for their excellent performance.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the three awards by the Executive Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruq Aliyu, Jagaban Gwandu, to Governor Nasir Idris at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
