The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KSPWA) has responded to media reports alleging that it housed male and female pilgrims in the same hotel in Makkah during the 2025 Hajj, clarifying that the arrangement was due to logistical realities and that strict gender segregation was maintained within the facility.
Press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, the agency described the report published by Hajj Reporters as “mischievous” and “a misrepresentation of facts,” insisting that it remains committed to the welfare, religious sensitivities, and comfort of all Kaduna pilgrims.
The agency explained that while it traditionally ensures complete separation of male and female pilgrims — a policy it pioneered among Nigerian states — certain unavoidable circumstances necessitated the shared use of one building this year.
“It is not always possible to secure accommodation that precisely matches the number of male and female pilgrims,” the statement read. “In one of the six hotels used this year, both genders were housed in the same building, but on clearly separate floors with measures in place to avoid any form of intermingling.”
KSPWA emphasized that its commitment to gender segregation remains intact and that the isolated case was managed in accordance with moral and religious standards. “Kaduna was the first state to adopt gender-separated accommodations, and we remain fully committed to that standard,” the agency added.
The agency also expressed concern over the portrayal of the situation by Hajj Reporters, noting that its media team has always been available for clarifications and wondering why the outlet claimed it was unable to reach the agency.
“The public should disregard misleading reports and rely on verified information from official channels,” the statement concluded.
KSPWA reaffirmed its dedication to providing Kaduna pilgrims with a seamless and spiritually uplifting Hajj experience.
