By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commitment of the board and management to deepening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of this year’s Hajj.

Yusuf spoke during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team at the Hajj House headquarters of NAHCON in Abuja.

He urged the Islamic clerics to support the commission in conducting intensive sensitization sessions in multiple languages before and during the holy pilgrimage.

The meeting, according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, brought together 120 prominent clerics from across the country.

They include Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr. Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.

Yusuf stressed that their guidance should focus on equipping pilgrims with a clear understanding of the rudiments and essential aspects of Hajj rites so they can correctly fulfill their religious obligations.

He reiterated the need for continuous guidance and prompt responses to pilgrims’ questions and concerns, particularly in situations that may affect the validity of their Hajj.

The NAHCON boss added that the Ulama Team is also expected to organize special prayer sessions at key locations during the Hajj, especially at Arafat, for Nigeria, its leaders, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Responding on behalf of the team, Professor Bashir Umar encouraged his colleagues to urge their congregations to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the upcoming Hajj falls within the 2027 general elections cycle.

The clerics emphasized the importance of nurturing pilgrims’ mental readiness, encouraging unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah, while reinforcing Hajj as a transformative act of worship.

They collectively affirmed their readiness to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

In a related development, the Kogi State Council of Ulama of Nigeria has backed the NAHCON chairman, describing his appointment as a product of merit and moral credibility.

Led by its chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam Imam, the Council paid a courtesy visit to the NAHCON headquarters in Abuja to congratulate Yusuf.

The Council said his appointment was underpinned by a “distinguished career, tested administrative competence and enduring contributions to ethical development.”

It noted the symbolic significance of his emergence, pointing out that Yusuf is the first indigene of Kogi State—and indeed the North Central geopolitical zone—to head the commission since its establishment nearly three decades ago.

His track record, the clerics said, positions him to steer the commission at a critical juncture.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for what it called a “well‑considered decision,” expressing confidence that Yusuf’s experience and leadership acumen would reposition NAHCON and restore institutional confidence.

It called on the commission’s management, staff, and stakeholders across the Muslim community to rally behind Yusuf to address systemic challenges and improve operational efficiency.

Responding, Yusuf expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as humbling and encouraging.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and assured that his leadership would strive to surpass expectations and deliver measurable improvements in the commission’s performance.

By Olugbenga Salami

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commitment of the board and management to deepening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of this year’s Hajj.

Yusuf spoke during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team at the Hajj House headquarters of NAHCON in Abuja.

He urged the Islamic clerics to support the commission in conducting intensive sensitization sessions in multiple languages before and during the holy pilgrimage.

The meeting, according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, brought together 120 prominent clerics from across the country.

They include Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr. Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.

Yusuf stressed that their guidance should focus on equipping pilgrims with a clear understanding of the rudiments and essential aspects of Hajj rites so they can correctly fulfill their religious obligations.

He reiterated the need for continuous guidance and prompt responses to pilgrims’ questions and concerns, particularly in situations that may affect the validity of their Hajj.

The NAHCON boss added that the Ulama Team is also expected to organize special prayer sessions at key locations during the Hajj, especially at Arafat, for Nigeria, its leaders, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Responding on behalf of the team, Professor Bashir Umar encouraged his colleagues to urge their congregations to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the upcoming Hajj falls within the 2027 general elections cycle.

The clerics emphasized the importance of nurturing pilgrims’ mental readiness, encouraging unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah, while reinforcing Hajj as a transformative act of worship.

They collectively affirmed their readiness to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

In a related development, the Kogi State Council of Ulama of Nigeria has backed the NAHCON chairman, describing his appointment as a product of merit and moral credibility.

Led by its chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam Imam, the Council paid a courtesy visit to the NAHCON headquarters in Abuja to congratulate Yusuf.

The Council said his appointment was underpinned by a “distinguished career, tested administrative competence and enduring contributions to ethical development.”

It noted the symbolic significance of his emergence, pointing out that Yusuf is the first indigene of Kogi State—and indeed the North Central geopolitical zone—to head the commission since its establishment nearly three decades ago.

His track record, the clerics said, positions him to steer the commission at a critical juncture.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for what it called a “well‑considered decision,” expressing confidence that Yusuf’s experience and leadership acumen would reposition NAHCON and restore institutional confidence.

It called on the commission’s management, staff, and stakeholders across the Muslim community to rally behind Yusuf to address systemic challenges and improve operational efficiency.

Responding, Yusuf expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as humbling and encouraging.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and assured that his leadership would strive to surpass expectations and deliver measurable improvements in the commission’s performance.