Hajj: Katsina Pilgrims Board can do more

For years, pilgrims to hajj from Katsina State have been subjected to untold hardship in the course of exercising one of the cardinal pillars of their faith. However, things began to change last year when Governor Aminu Masari appointed his Chief of Staff, Muntari Lawal to lead the government delegation. Many saw it as another […]

For years, pilgrims to hajj from Katsina State have been subjected to untold hardship in the course of exercising one of the cardinal pillars of their faith.

However, things began to change last year when Governor Aminu Masari appointed his Chief of Staff, Muntari Lawal to lead the government delegation.

Many saw it as another jamboree to hajj, but it turned out not to be so. This became the first step in the ongoing massive transformation at the Board that has already started yielding fruits.

Before his team departed for hajj last year, in their usual manner, the Board told the government that everything needed for the welfare of  pilgrims from the state had been made available.

This was, however, not to be, as upon Lawal’s arrival, he insisted on sharing accommodation with the pilgrims close to the holy mosque, as against the five-star hotel usually reserved for government delegation.

His stay with the pilgrims gave him firsthand information of the true position of things. This was captured in his report.

While presenting his report, Lawal said they encountered some challenges, especially in the areas of logistics and accommodation. He said they also insisted on being fed with the pilgrims’ food and transported in their vehicles.

He explained that because  operators of the system usually feel they are above such facilities, there’s always a problem, and in the process, the state government loses money. He said that at one point in time, Katsina had about 150 pilgrims that were not accommodated.

On the issue of Mujamala visa, Lawal complained that it became a terrible issue for the delegation. According to him, many meetings were held in the mosque to address the matter and committees were set up.

He noted, “Unfortunately, all beneficiaries of Mujamala visa are very powerful people who one cannot challenge because of their influences, but in our recommendations we asked government, in collaboration with the Board and air carrier to come out with an arrangement that would exclude the Mujamala visa holders from state pilgrims. They will make arrangements from private visas and insist of being accommodated with state pilgrims.

For the first time, government was told the truth about what happens during hajj operations.

Immediately, the government set the ball rolling by appointing another set of officials in the Board.

Already, the 2020 Hajj exercise has commenced in earnest and Lawal has once again been asked to ensure the continuation of the reform.

The team already had its maiden trip to Saudi Arabia to secure the much-needed better accommodation for the state pilgrims.

I commend Lawal for putting things in order.  In fact, little did he know that he is closely monitored by officials and non-governmental organisations within and outside the state. His excellent performances have brought laurels to the state. He was adjudged to be the best hajj administrator for 2019 by the Independent Hajj Reporters. Lawal’s midas touch is paving way for better hajj operations for Katsina pilgrims and the country in general.

Habibu wrote from Dutsen Safe, Katsina