By Lamara Garba in Makkah
The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured pilgrims from the state currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that adequate arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return to Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf gave the assurance while addressing Kano pilgrims in Makkah, where he commended them for their patience, discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage period.
The governor also urged the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for lasting peace, unity, tranquility and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, stressing that the nation is in need of divine guidance and stability.
According to him, prayers remain one of the most powerful tools for overcoming the social, economic and security challenges confronting the country.
Speaking during the gathering, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed that the return airlift of Kano pilgrims is officially scheduled to commence on June 24.
However, he revealed that efforts are currently underway by the state government and relevant authorities to begin the evacuation exercise before the stipulated date if all logistical arrangements are concluded on time.
Matawalle explained that the board has finalized most of the necessary preparations to ensure an orderly and seamless return operation, noting that once the airlift begins, all Kano pilgrims are expected to be transported back to Nigeria within approximately three days.
He said flight schedules and operational plans have been carefully coordinated to avoid delays and ensure the comfort of pilgrims throughout the return journey from the Holy Land.
The Director General further commended officials, coordinators and welfare personnel deployed across the 44 local government areas of Kano State for their commitment and dedication, which he said contributed immensely to the successful conduct of this year’s Hajj exercise.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support and concern for the welfare of Kano pilgrims from the beginning of the pilgrimage to its concluding stages.
Matawalle prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the acts of worship performed by the pilgrims, reward their sacrifices and grant them a safe return to their families and communities in good health and peace.
The planned commencement of the return airlift marks the final phase of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Kano pilgrims, bringing to a close weeks of spiritual devotion and religious activities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.