From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, in Kano
The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has received the Award for Best Crisis Management and Innovation in Hajj 2026, in recognition of his leadership, crisis-management efforts and innovative contributions to Hajj administration.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the award was presented by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) at a ceremony held at the Central Mosque, Abuja.
Matawalle (left) receiving the award
Speaking shortly after receiving the recognition, Alhaji Matawalle expressed his appreciation to the pilgrims of Kano State for their patience, prayers, understanding and cooperation throughout the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Director-General assured the Independent Hajj Reporters and the wider Hajj community that the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at promoting excellence, transparency, innovation and improved welfare for pilgrims in the state.
He reiterated the Board’s commitment to strengthening its operations and introducing additional measures to enhance the overall Hajj experience of Kano pilgrims in future exercises.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board expressed its profound gratitude to the Independent Hajj Reporters for the honour, describing the recognition as a motivation for the state’s Hajj administration to continue striving for higher standards in service delivery and pilgrim welfare.
The Board also conveyed its appreciation to the organisers, on behalf of the people of Kano State and the Executive Governor of Kano State, for the recognition and encouragement.
The Board prayed that Almighty Allah would reward the Independent Hajj Reporters for their service to the Ummah, bless the organisers of the award ceremony, and grant all stakeholders the wisdom, commitment and resources required to continuously improve Hajj administration in Nigeria.
