By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, has received an award of excellence from the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) for his outstanding performance in medical service delivery and complementary feeding arrangements during the 2026 Hajj operation.
The recognition followed an assessment and consultations conducted by IHR during the 2026 Hajj exercise, which identified the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board among the state pilgrim welfare agencies that performed commendably in the provision of essential services to pilgrims.
The award was presented to Alhaji Labbo by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, accompanied by the National Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed.
The recognition, according to IHR, was in appreciation of the commitment, leadership and efforts of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board towards ensuring effective medical services and appropriate feeding arrangements for pilgrims from the state throughout the 2026 Hajj operation.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo expressed appreciation to the Independent Hajj Reporters for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to the board to do more in improving the welfare and wellbeing of Jigawa pilgrims.
He said the award would motivate him, as well as the management and staff of the board, to redouble their efforts towards providing better and more efficient services to pilgrims in future Hajj operations.
The Director-General pledged that the board would continue to work diligently towards achieving higher standards of service delivery, expressing optimism that its contributions to pilgrims’ welfare would attract more recognition.
Alhaji Labbo dedicated the award to the entire staff of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, saying their dedication, cooperation and collective efforts were largely responsible for the achievement.
He also commended the Jigawa State Government for its continued support and commitment towards ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of pilgrims from the state.
The award is considered a significant recognition of the board’s efforts during the 2026 Hajj operation, particularly in the areas of healthcare and feeding, which remain critical components of pilgrims’ welfare during the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
