The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has appointed the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, as its National Patron in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Hajj industry and his consistent efforts to safeguard Jigawa State’s Hajj slots.
The appointment was announced during the Independent Hajj Reporters Post-Hajj Lecture held on August 20 at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Speaking on the appointment, the National Coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Muhammed, said the decision reflected the organisation’s recognition of Namadi’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and his support for the development of Hajj operations.
Muhammed said the appointment was also in line with IHR’s core objectives of advocating for and protecting the interests of Nigerian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as reporting on and educating intending pilgrims about the pilgrimage.
“We align ourselves with His Excellency because of his trademark commitment to providing assistance to Jigawa pilgrims since his assumption of office and his extraordinary interest in catering to the welfare of Nigerian Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
Receiving the plaque on behalf of the governor, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labo, thanked IHR for the recognition, saying Namadi had accepted the appointment with a full sense of responsibility.
“His Excellency feels elated with the appointment given to him to serve as patron of the Independent Hajj Reporters of Nigeria. He has accepted the appointment with a full sense of responsibility and promised to assist you in meeting the stipulated goals set by the association,” Labo said.
“What we are witnessing today will energise all those involved and stimulate others to follow suit.”
Labo said that since the inception of the Namadi administration, the governor had provided financial support to the state pilgrims’ board to safeguard the Hajj slots allocated to Jigawa State.
He added that the governor had also sponsored sufficient numbers of Islamic scholars, medical personnel and other support staff to assist pilgrims during Hajj.
According to him, the measures were designed to enable Jigawa pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage with relative ease and comfort.
Labo further highlighted the governor’s special welfare initiatives for pilgrims, including the provision of lunch, which he said was not available to pilgrims in some other areas.
He also said the state government provides Sallah gifts to all Jigawa pilgrims to cushion the effect of the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) provided to them.
The Independent Hajj Reporters said Namadi’s appointment was intended to strengthen collaboration between the organisation and stakeholders committed to improving the welfare, experience and overall interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
e-sign
Ibrahim Muhammad
National Coordinator
Independent Hajj Reporters
31ST August 2026