January 07, (THEWILL) – Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has called on the Federal Government to review and reduce the cost of performing Hajj, citing the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
The governor made the appeal during an event organized by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board to refund money remitted by the Saudi Arabian Government due to power outages experienced during the 2023 Hajj operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor commended the Saudi Government for its gesture and concern for humanity.
He assured that an official letter of appreciation would be sent to the Saudi Consulate in Kano.
The governor lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for its transparency and prompt disbursement of the refunded funds.
He also praised the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for successfully conducting the 2024 Hajj, which he described as the best-organized in the country, urging them to sustain the standard in future operations.
Yusuf disclosed that he recently traveled to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj and to assess areas where the state government could enhance preparations for subsequent Hajj exercises.
“I have taken steps to identify areas requiring government intervention to improve the experience of our pilgrims and ensure smooth operations,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Laminu Danbaffa, revealed that NAHCON facilitated the refund of N375 million for disbursement to pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj.
Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, who served as the Head of the 2024 Kano State Hajj Delegation, commended Yusuf for his unwavering support to pilgrims before, during, and after the pilgrimage.
The event highlighted the governor’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj operations are affordable and seamless for Kano residents.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
