Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli
As someone who has had the privilege of performing Hajj multiple times, I went into the 2025 pilgrimage expecting the usual: long queues, food complaints, poor logistics, and the everyday hustle for survival in the Holy Land.
But what I experienced this year as a pilgrim from Kano State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, completely shattered those expectations—for good.
Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf
From the very beginning, the organization, coordination, and care shown to us were unlike anything I had seen in the past.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, empowered and restructured under Governor Abba’s administration, functioned not just efficiently, but with genuine compassion.
It became clear to us, even before departing Nigeria, that this year’s Hajj wasn’t business as usual—it was service with sincerity.
Food: No Longer a Source of Stress
One of the most common complaints among Nigerian pilgrims in years past has been the food. Either it arrives late, is culturally unfamiliar, or lacks quality.
This year, however, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it a priority to ensure that pilgrims received timely, culturally appropriate, and nutritious meals throughout our stay in both Makkah and Madinah.
Hajj: NAHCON Battles Medical Emergencies as Nine Pilgrims Die
The meals served reminded me of home—tuwo, miyan kuka, rice, even light Hausa snacks.
The Governor’s special committee on feeding, which included Hausa-speaking staff based in Saudi Arabia, ensured that the food was not only tailored to our dietary habits but also clean and hygienic.
I recall vividly how pilgrims from other states would jokingly ask to “share our food.”
Shelter: Comfort in the Holy Land
Accommodation, another sensitive topic, was handled with professionalism and foresight. Instead of overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms, we were lodged in hotels within a reasonable walking distance to the Haram, equipped with working elevators, clean water, and constant electricity.
It was a drastic improvement from what I personally endured in 2019.
According to briefings we received, Governor Abba personally approved additional funds to upgrade accommodations beyond the basic packages negotiated by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
The results were visible and tangible—elderly pilgrims had easy access to medical facilities, while others enjoyed a level of comfort that made worship easier and stress-free.
Welfare: A Governor Who Cared—And Was Present
It is rare to feel the presence of a state governor while thousands of miles away from home. But this year, we felt more than presence—we witnessed it.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was physically with us in Makkah, walking among us, checking on our welfare, listening to complaints, and inspiring confidence.
In a moment that moved many pilgrims to tears, the Governor gifted each of the 3,345 Kano pilgrims the sum of 250 Saudi Riyals—a generous gesture of support and love amounting to 836,250 Riyals in total.
It wasn’t about the money alone; it was the symbolism of a leader who shares in the journey and sacrifices of his people.
His delegation regularly visited our lodgings, monitored our welfare, and offered listening ears to our feedback.
The Governor ensured that medical teams were stationed round-the-clock, and that volunteers were available to help the aged and infirm.
What touched me the most was how the state handled emergencies. One elderly woman in our group fell ill on the eve of Arafat. Within minutes, she was evacuated to a specialized hospital through arrangements already made by the welfare team.
She recovered fully and was even able to complete the rites—something that might not have been possible without such intervention.
Pilgrims Board: Outperforming International Operators
In a surprising twist, many private pilgrims I met along the way from the UK, USA, and even some Arab countries were shocked at the level of organization and support we enjoyed as state-sponsored pilgrims from Kano.
I can boldly say that the Kano State Pilgrims Board outperformed many international Hajj operators this year.
Governor Abba’s reformation of the Board—replacing political appointees with seasoned professionals, digitizing the registration process, and ensuring transparency in the selection of officials paid off.
We had guides who spoke both Arabic and Hausa, volunteers who handled luggage and wheelchairs, and spiritual leaders who offered daily sermons and moral guidance.
Leadership That Transcends Borders
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf did not just supervise this year’s Hajj—he walked with us, prayed with us, and supported us. His presence was felt in every act of kindness, in every moment of comfort, and in every system that worked. He reminded us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact.
As I stood on Mount Arafat, surrounded by fellow pilgrims from Kano and beyond, I couldn’t help but say a prayer for the man who made this journey not only bearable but beautiful.
May Allah reward him, protect him, and allow him to continue to serve the people of Kano with sincerity and compassion.
Indeed, this year’s Hajj was awesome—and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it so.
Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli, Kano.