By Salisu Kabir
With a strong mix of innovation and motivation, the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is setting a bold tone for the 2025 Hajj operations under the stewardship of its Executive Secretary, Imam AbdulRahman Ibrahim Idris. From strategic training sessions to early logistics distribution, the board demonstrates a proactive and people-centred approach to Hajj preparation.
Bauchi was the first state to engage critical Hajj stakeholders on the need for timely pilgrim registration and tailored the campaign to reach intending pilgrims across the state’s zones.
His ability to motivate his staff towards achieving the desired objective contributed to the early preparations. At the time of writing this piece, all that is needed to be done for a successful hajj trip has been completed.
A major highlight of the state’s preparations was a recent two-day Train-the-Trainers Workshop held at the Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmoud Adam Hall in Gwallaga, Bauchi. The event brought together trainers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders to enhance capacity for guiding and supporting Bauchi pilgrims in this year’s Hajj.
In his goodwill message, Imam AbdulRahman Idris emphasised the critical role of the workshop in preparing trainers to deliver not just logistical support but spiritual mentorship, ensuring pilgrims enjoy a meaningful and seamless Hajj experience.
The Galadiman Bauchi, Alhaji Sa’idu Jahun, also lauded the initiative, noting that the effectiveness of Hajj operations hinges on how well frontline personnel are trained. Special Adviser on Pilgrims Affairs, Imam Babangida Suleiman, echoed the need for continuous collaboration, while Hon. Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abdulmumini Binni Abdulqadeer, called for unity and commitment among stakeholders to achieve a successful pilgrimage.
The workshop focused on two primary goals: equipping trainers with the practical and spiritual tools needed for the pilgrimage, and enhancing the overall experience of Bauchi pilgrims through well-informed, compassionate support.
In a related development, Bauchi State has emerged as the state with the highest number of registered pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme for 2025. This milestone was achieved through aggressive awareness campaigns and structured payment plans. Authorities are now urging all registered pilgrims to complete their payments to finalize their seats.
In a move to streamline logistics, distribution of uniforms and travel bags has already commenced. Pilgrims who paid through their local government areas have been directed to collect their items from respective LG offices, while those who paid directly to the board are collecting theirs at the board’s secretariat.
Chairman of the Kaura Social Media Forum, Alhaji Nuru Abdullahi (Baban Zarah), praised the board’s transparency and efficiency, describing the early preparations as “a blueprint for effective Hajj operations.”
With a visionary leadership style, structured planning, and emphasis on stakeholder engagement, Imam AbdulRahman Idris and his team are positioning Bauchi State as a model for Hajj administration in Nigeria. All eyes are now on the execution phase as the 2025 pilgrimage season draws near.
