By Bawa Shuaibu
The Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, under the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Farouk Musa Yaro (Enabo), continues to blaze the trail in Hajj administration in Nigeria. Recognised for its meticulous planning, proactive engagement, and pilgrim-centred approach, the board has earned commendations across the Hajj cycle, particularly within Kebbi State.
During the 2024 Hajj, Kebbi made national headlines by hosting the inaugural Hajj flight a feat made possible through the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Nasir Idris. That year’s pilgrimage was widely regarded as the most successful in the state’s history, with Kebbi emerging as a model of excellence in pilgrims’ welfare and logistics coordination.
Building on that momentum, Kebbi is once again poised to host the inaugural flight for the 2025 Hajj, solidifying its position as the most prepared state in the federation. In fact, Kebbi was the first state in Nigeria to be issued the 2025 Hajj visas — a clear testament to its readiness and effective pre-Hajj planning.
Despite the demanding nature of preparations for Hajj 2025, the board successfully organized a seamless Umrah operation earlier this year. It marked the first time the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, under Alhaji Farouk Enabo, took direct responsibility for the transportation and arrangements of pilgrims for the lesser Hajj. With Governor Idris’ strong backing, pilgrims were airlifted from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi directly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with flawless execution.
This achievement is particularly significant, given the logistical challenges the state faced previously, especially concerning airlifting pilgrims due to the inoperability of the airport. Two critical issues once stalled progress — the absence of willing airline operators and a lack of operational infrastructure, especially fuel.
Governor Idris swiftly intervened, reaching out to airlines and initiating partnerships that restored confidence in the route. Recognizing the need for a dependable fuel supply, he also championed the construction of a Jet-A fuel dump at the airport. This facility, with a capacity exceeding 180,000 liters, now stands as a game-changer, ensuring uninterrupted flight operations and bolstering Kebbi’s standing in the aviation and pilgrimage sectors.
To further demonstrate its commitment to quality service delivery, the board recently inaugurated the Pilgrims Enlightenment and Orientation Committee. The goal is to educate intending pilgrims on the principles, expectations, and spiritual conduct required for the sacred journey. Alhaji Farouk Yaro, while inaugurating the committee, stressed the importance of decorum, discipline, and preparedness.
As Deputy Chairman of the Forum of States Muslim Pilgrims Boards Executives, Alhaji Farouk Musa Yaro continues to make Kebbi proud on the national stage. His leadership, complemented by Governor Idris’ visionary support, has placed Kebbi firmly on the frontline of Hajj administration in Nigeria.
Now more than ever, stakeholders are encouraged to rally behind the board’s leadership as it strives to deliver a historic and spiritually rewarding 2025 Hajj experience for pilgrims from Kebbi State.
