Bauchi State Assures Adequate Welfare for 2024 Hajj Pilgrims

The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring adequate welfare for intending pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, at a two-day workshop organized for local government Hajj officers, facilitators of Bita centers, religious organizations, and other Hajj stakeholders in the state.

Kashim, represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office, Alhaji Shehu Yahya Jalam, stated that pilgrims will enjoy adequate attention from both the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments for successful Hajj operations this year. He also praised Governor Bala Muhammad for his recent and quick response towards alleviating the pilgrims' financial burden following the increment of the Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, with the Muhammed administration paying about N1 million for each intending pilgrim from the state.

The Bauchi State Amirul-Hajj Committee, a 15-member committee set up by the state government, has also expressed its determination to ensure adequate welfare for all intending pilgrims. The committee's inaugural meeting was held at the Government House in Bauchi, where the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman (the Emir of Dass), assured that the committee would study the report of the previous year's Hajj exercise to identify and address any challenges.

The Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, stated that the board has made adequate preparations to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise. He noted that Bauchi State has successfully registered over 2,600 intending pilgrims, which is higher than most other states in the country.

The state Commissioner for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Societal re-orientation, Alhaji Yakubu Hamza Darazo, appreciated the participants for their readiness to be trained and acknowledged the contribution of the facilitators of the Bita centers over the years. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims Affair, Shehu Wadaji, and the Chairman of the Board, Nuru Adamu Jumba, acknowledged the changes in Hajj 2024 from Saudi Arabia and NAHCON, and expressed optimism that the workshop would make the participants conversant with these developments.

Why this matters: The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious obligation for Muslims, and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims is a top priority for the Bauchi State Government. The state's commitment to providing adequate support and alleviating the financial burden on pilgrims demonstrates its dedication to facilitating a successful and meaningful Hajj experience for its citizens.

The Bauchi State Government, through various initiatives and collaborations with relevant stakeholders, is working diligently to ensure that the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage is well-organized and that pilgrims from the state receive the necessary support and welfare throughout their spiritual journey. With a higher number of registered pilgrims compared to most other states, Bauchi State is poised to have a strong representation during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Key Takeaways

• Bauchi govt commits to ensuring adequate welfare for 2024 Hajj pilgrims.
• Bauchi has registered over 2,600 intending pilgrims, higher than most states.
• Bauchi govt set up a 15-member Amirul-Hajj Committee to address Hajj challenges.
• Bauchi govt paid about N1 million per pilgrim to alleviate financial burden.
• Bauchi's Hajj Board made adequate preparations for a hitch-free Hajj exercise.