Governor Zulum Pledges Reforms for 2025 Hajj Operations
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempres News,
24th, December,2024
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his commitment to enhancing the annual Hajj pilgrimage for improved efficiency and performance.
Governor Zulum made this pledge while receiving the 2024 Hajj report from the Amirul Hajj team, led by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, at the Government House on Monday.
Describing the 2024 Hajj as one of the most successful in recent years, Zulum expressed his satisfaction with the smooth airlift operations and the quality of services provided. He praised the dedication of the Amirul Hajj team and the conduct of the pilgrims, stating, “I have not seen such a high level of success in recent years. The manner in which our pilgrims were airlifted from Maiduguri to Madina and Jidda to Maiduguri was impressive.”
Governor Zulum assured the public of his commitment to system reforms for greater productivity. He promised a thorough review of the report and prompt implementation of its recommendations, noting, “Within the next few hours, I will go through the report clause by clause to ensure we implement the valuable suggestions made.”
Commending the committee for introducing innovative solutions, Zulum highlighted the use of online media to inform pilgrims about their flight schedules and the publication of pilgrim names to ensure smooth operations. “The previous practice of calling names throughout the night, which was inefficient, has been eliminated,” he stated.
Governor Zulum also announced a new policy regarding excess luggage for future Hajj operations. “From next year, the Borno State government will no longer cover the cost of excess luggage for defaulting pilgrims. If anyone reports to the airport with excess luggage, they will bear the cost themselves,” he declared.
He directed the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Board to inform all intending pilgrims for 2025 of this new policy. Additionally, Governor Zulum called for the deployment of technology and the engagement of local government Hajj fare collectors to identify and eliminate individuals posing as pilgrims.
Chairman of the 2024 Amirul Hajj team, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, reported that 1,803 pilgrims performed the 2024 Hajj, with five pilgrims hospitalized in the Holy Land but no deaths recorded. Lawan praised Governor Zulum for his substantial support to the pilgrims, including securing accommodation in Mecca, covering Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differentials, and payment for sacrificial animals.
In summary, the 2024 Hajj operations were deemed a success, largely due to Governor Zulum’s unwavering support and the innovative measures introduced by the Amirul Hajj team.
