By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, has been awarded an international certificate of leadership in the management of Hajj and Umrah affairs by a United Kingdom-based organisation that monitors and promotes best practices in pilgrimage administration.
The certificate was presented by the London-based institution following an international knowledge exchange programme designed to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and improve the management of Hajj and Umrah operations across different countries.
According to officials, the programme brought together stakeholders and administrators involved in pilgrimage management from various parts of the world to exchange ideas and strategies aimed at improving the welfare of pilgrims and enhancing the efficiency of Hajj and Umrah services.
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The certificate recognises Alhaji Labbo’s leadership capacity and his commitment to strengthening the administration of pilgrimage activities in Jigawa State. It also acknowledges the efforts of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board in aligning its operations with international standards in the management of Muslim pilgrimages.
The board’s public relations Habib Yusuf Adamu Babura said the recognition followed a series of engagements, discussions and professional exchanges between pilgrimage management authorities across countries, particularly focusing on improving coordination, pilgrims’ welfare, logistics and service delivery during Hajj and Umrah operations.
The recognition is considered a significant milestone for the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, as it marks the first time the agency has received such an international certification from a foreign organisation in the area of Hajj and Umrah administration.
Observers say the development further highlights the growing reputation of the board in the effective management of pilgrimage activities in Nigeria.
They added that the international recognition is expected to strengthen the board’s capacity in adopting global best practices, while also enhancing collaboration with international bodies involved in pilgrimage administration.
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board is responsible for organising and coordinating the annual Hajj exercise for intending pilgrims from the state, including their registration, welfare, travel arrangements and overall guidance throughout the pilgrimage period.
Officials expressed optimism that the recognition would further motivate the board to improve its services and ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise for pilgrims from Jigawa State in the coming years.
