December 13, (THEWILL) – Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing future Hajj exercises in the state.
The governor made this pledge on Thursday while receiving the 2024 Hajj report from the leader of the state’s Hajj delegation, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
Aliyu praised the success of the 2024 Hajj exercise but assured that his administration would implement new measures to ensure future operations are even more seamless and efficient.
He said, “The last Hajj operation in Sokoto was a success story.
“However, we will strive to improve in areas of better arrangements and enhanced welfare for our pilgrims, both at home and in the holy land.”
The governor commended the State’s Hajj delegation and the officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their efforts, as well as the pilgrims for their orderly conduct during the exercise.
He noted that the efficient organization earned Sokoto State an Award of Excellence from Saudi Arabian authorities.
Aliyu reiterated his administration’s dedication to promoting Islamic affairs in Sokoto State, a predominantly Muslim community.
“Our administration is committed to supporting Islamic ideals in the state,” he said.
He highlighted several projects, including the construction and renovation of Jumat mosques and Islamiyya schools, the restoration of monthly stipends for Imams, their deputies, and Muazzins, as well as the introduction of monthly cash allocations to Jumat mosques.
Additionally, the governor pointed to the provision of palliatives, food, and cash assistance to clerics across the 23 local government areas as part of efforts to support religious leaders and promote Islamic teachings.
Aliyu assured residents that his administration would continue to execute people-oriented projects for the overall development of the state.
Earlier, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga commended the state government for its support of the 2024 Hajj operations, citing the completion of the Hajj terminal at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, adequate funding, and timely evacuation of pilgrims as key achievements.
“No Sokoto pilgrim violated Saudi laws during the last Hajj exercise, and this is indeed commendable,” Bodinga said.
However, he noted some challenges encountered during the exercise, including the need for more personnel to assist with food distribution and improved accountability from local government secretaries during the Hajj operations.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
