From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State has once again recorded a landmark achievement in the successful completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise, clinching eight international awards of excellence in various sectors of Hajj operation, with the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, emerging as the best Amirul Hajj in Nigeria for the year.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro (Enabo), during a special reception held in Birnin Kebbi to mark the successful completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Faruku expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their immense support and commitment to the success of the exercise.
He noted that since the assumption of office by Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, in 2023, the Hajj operations have continued to experience remarkable transformation and consistent progress.
According to him, Kebbi State stood out in several aspects of the 2025 Hajj, winning awards in the following eight critical areas: for the full sponsorship of sacrificial animals for all pilgrims and ensuring they received part of the meat, for Muzdalifah and Arafat operations, and for effective transportation and logistic arrangements.
He also disclosed that the state was recognised as the best state in terms of quality and consistency of feeding, for excellent internal mobility and timely pilgrim transfers, for securing and managing convenient lodging for pilgrims, for effective coverage and awareness, and for strategic planning and execution of pre-Hajj arrangements.
He also noted that Kebbi’s aircraft was the first to land in Madinah from Nigeria, a testament to the state’s commitment to timely and efficient Hajj logistics.
The Chairman commended the Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, for his extraordinary leadership and personal dedication, stating that he visited every pilgrim’s house in Makkah, monitored committee activities both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and personally bid farewell to pilgrims on their return flights.
“It is gratifying to see and hear the fervent prayers from our pilgrims to the Governor and for the peace and unity of our State and country,” he said.
He attributed the entire success of the Hajj to the unwavering support of Governor Nasir Idris and the contributions of his wives, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris and Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, for the overall welfare of Kebbi pilgrims.
In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj and leader of the Kebbi delegation, Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, thanked Governor Nasir Idris for the trust and confidence reposed in him and his team.
He expressed joy over the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and the safe return of all pilgrims, except for one who is recuperating in Saudi Arabia and will be personally accompanied back by the Chairman.
The Amirul Hajj appreciated all stakeholders, officials, and committee members for their dedication, resilience, and teamwork, which led to the outstanding success of the 2025 Hajj operations.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to the various committees in recognition of their immense contribution to the success of the 2025 Hajj exercise.