By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Fcna Sokoto State Governor received the greatest plaudits for the 2024 Hajj success performance.
He was awarded for his vision in assembling a team to drive it and giving it the free hand to operate, as well as providing the necessary support.
According to Aliyu Musa Gusau, Chairman Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, made all the difference. Barring a few glitches and that the difference between the last Hajj and previous ones is crystal clear.
The head of Information and Communication of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency Faruk Umar further said the change creeps in gradually, largely unannounced and often unnoticed by the unwary.
“However, in the last Hajj operation, change was self-evident at the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency. Indeed, it came with a bang, disrupted the status quo, and enriched the yearly pilgrimage to the applause of pilgrims and stakeholders.
“Essentially, in the last Hajj operation, the Agency received accolades, got recognition, and recorded a string of ”firsts” at home and in Saudi Arabia”.
First, intending pilgrims were fed, catered for, and airlifted in record time this year.
Similarly, according to Faruk, for the first time in many years, all of Sokoto State pilgrims landed directly at Madina, spent four days in the city, and visited Holy sites and historic places as part of Hajj rituals.