Kaduna Hajj Leader Describes 2026 Pilgrimage as Best in 45 Years

The leader of the Kaduna State 2026 Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, has described this year’s pilgrimage exercise as the best he has witnessed in the 45 years since he first performed Hajj, commending the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for conducting a transparent and hitch-free operation.

Alhaji Mustapha made the remarks on Wednesday night while assessing the conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa.

The delegation leader, who revealed that he first undertook the pilgrimage in 1981, said the organisation, coordination and welfare arrangements put in place for Kaduna pilgrims this year were exceptional and worthy of commendation.

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He particularly praised the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency under the leadership of Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, noting that the agency had demonstrated professionalism and commitment throughout the exercise.

According to Mustapha, pilgrims from Kaduna State enjoyed smooth transportation, efficient accommodation arrangements and prompt support services during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said the level of planning and coordination witnessed during the pilgrimage significantly reduced the challenges often associated with Hajj operations and ensured that pilgrims performed their religious obligations with minimal difficulties.

The delegation leader recalled that he had previously served as Amirul Hajj for Kaduna State in 1999, giving him considerable experience and insight into the organisation of pilgrimage activities over the years.

Drawing from that experience, he maintained that the 2026 exercise stood out for its transparency, efficiency and effective management of logistics.

Mustapha also expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for providing the necessary support and resources that contributed to the success of the exercise.

He noted that the state government’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims was evident in the quality of services rendered throughout the pilgrimage period.

The commendation comes as thousands of Nigerian pilgrims continue to participate in this year’s Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, which attracts millions of Muslims from across the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Officials of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency have consistently emphasized their commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims during the annual religious exercise.

Stakeholders in the state’s pilgrimage administration have described the positive assessment by the delegation leader as a reflection of the agency’s efforts to enhance the overall Hajj experience for pilgrims from Kaduna State.

The successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise is expected to further strengthen confidence in the state’s pilgrimage management system and serve as a benchmark for future operations.