From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has pledged support to the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, to ensure a successful conduct of the 2025 Hajj.
The governor, who made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the management of NAHCON in Abuja, assured the commission that the Borno State government would provide the necessary support, political will and resources to assist it in fulfilling its mandate.
As Chairman of the North-East Governors Forum, Professor Zulum promised to relay the outcome of the discussions to governors of the region, with the aim of ensuring timely payments and completion of the necessary requirements within the stipulated deadlines.
Zulum emphasised the importance of effectively managing the number of intending pilgrims to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“What matters is not the number of individuals who will perform the 2025 Hajj, but the efficiency and meticulousness with which those who have paid will carry out the exercise,” he said.
The governor also commended the federal government for its support to the Hajj Commission since the beginning of the current administration.
Acknowledging the challenges involved in conducting a smooth Hajj operation, Zulum expressed belief that with the commitment and support of all stakeholders, a successful Hajj could be achieved.
The governor highlighted some of the difficulties encountered in the 2024 exercise to include inadequate arrangements for VIPs and overbooking, which led to the overstretching of facilities in Mina and Arafah.
He urged the commission to embark on social reorientation for state governments and intending pilgrims, ensuring that they are well-informed and updated on arrangements and activities before and during Hajj.
In his response, the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Usman informed the governor that the commission had already secured space for 52,000 pilgrims at Masha’ir along with a reasonable allocation for VIPs and additional 15,000 spaces for tour operators.
