Another Laurels for Kano Pilgrims Agency

By Auwalu Umar

One of the major highlights of the Post-2026 Hajj Review Summit was the official recognition of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for its outstanding performance during the recently concluded hajj operations in Saudi Arabia. The board received the ‘Best Administrative Efficiency Award’ at a well-attended event organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The yearly gathering, which brought together hajj administrators, professionals, and many other key hajj stakeholders, took place at the NAHCON Conference Hall in Abuja last week. The award was presented to the board’s Director-General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle. He was instrumental to the remarkable success due to his demonstrated leadership throughout the rigorous operations, setting a standard for hajj administration in Nigeria.

The NAHCON’s recognition is among the many accolades the Kano Government and Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board have so far received for the well-coordinated hajj exercise successfully supervised by  Matawalle, who was appointed to lead the pilgrims board only midway into the 2026 hajj operations. 

For example, SANA Company, a service provider for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, had, at a dinner at Iskan in Mecca shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 hajj exercise, honoured Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He was conferred with the ‘Best Governor in Nigeria Award’ for his welfare initiative and commitment to the well being of pilgrims during the 2026 hajj operations.

The company also recognised the board’s Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, alongside the Amirul Hajj and Leader of Kano State Delegation to the 2026 Hajj, His Highness, the Emir of Gaya, Dr Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir; and a board member, Sheikh Bashir Arabi, for ensuring the comfort and welfare of Kano pilgrims throughout the hajj period.

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, explained why the Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board was picked for the award. The board, according to him, was recognised for its "exemplary administrative approach, effective coordination, and unwavering commitment" to ensuring the successful conduct of the 2026 hajj operations. He emphasised that Kano pilgrims distinguished themselves through proactive coordination.  

The award, he further said, underscored the board's enhanced operational protocols. NAHCON appreciated the board's efforts in successfully minimizing flight delays, optimising accommodation logistics in Saudi Arabia, and ensuring comprehensive medical support for several elderly and vulnerable pilgrims. The commission was particularly impressive with the board's crisis management skills as its proactive deployment of specialised health and rapid response teams mitigated potential medical emergencies in the Holy Land. 

Kano State has remained the major pilgrims centre in Nigeria, and its pilgrims board is widely viewed as the flagship of pilgrims operations in the country. The board built for itself reputation for standardising and improving hajj organisation. Its clear and comprehensive policy, promulgated to guide hajj affairs, still remains a source of inspiration in Nigeria and beyond.

The success the board recorded during the 2026 hajj exercise was a reflection of Matawalle's strong commitment to serve his state, Nigeria, and humanity selflessly. It was also a reflection of the high level preparation for the all important exercise arising from Matawalle's expertise as a seasoned civil servant and veteran hajj administrator. 

This is the third time he is leading the board when he was appointed early this year by His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor, Kano State as its Director-General. He first served as the board's Executive Secretary meritoriously during the short lived Arc. Kabiru Ibrahim-led civilian administration. He was briefly at the pilgrims agency as its helmsman for the second time at the twilight of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau administration. 

The preparation was unprecedented as everything needed for the success of the exercise was put in place. Various teams in relation to rapid response, medical, pilgrims and staff welfare, media, and diplomatic matters were raised. The initiative, which was massively praised, was the first of its kind in the history of the board. 

Matawalle led the assignment with all the seriousness it deserved. He was highly focused and that was why when some mischief makers wanted to derail the hajj operations he remained unperturbed. 

"The dogs may bark but the caravan must move on" is a classic Eastern proverb that is deeply rooted in Arabic and Persian culture. It is a powerful reminder for one to stay focused on the set goals regardless of any distraction. Matawalle seems to be conscious of this famous saying. And this is exactly what he did to shame the detractors by remaining focused and ignoring them altogether. 

It was the board's Director-General who received the award on behalf of Kano State, expressing profound gratitude to NAHCON for the recognition. He attributed the success to the relentless administrative discipline and praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf immensely for the  tremendous support, particularly the strong financial backing. 

The Director-General dedicated the award to government and good people of Kano State. He also dedicated the honour to the management and staff of the board for contributing towards the success of the hajj exercise, reaffirming the board's commitment to sustaining the set high standards in future hajj operations.

The prestigious award is a clear vindication of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's decision to appoint Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle as the board's Director-General. The board's huge success clearly reflects the efficiency and effectiveness of the pilgrims agency, becoming a model for others to emulate in Nigeria and beyond. 

Significantly, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as a matter of fact, must be applauded for appreciating a great effort. Identifying the best in a complex exercise such as hajj operations is in itself an act of greatness. It is definitely an initiative that will spur other pilgrims agencies across the country to further standardise and improve the organisation of the yearly religious activities. 

   Umar wrote from the Public Affairs Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.