Abuja: The Minister of State in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reiterated the administration’s dedication to delivering first-class welfare services to its contingents participating in hajj exercises. Dr. Mahmoud made this pledge during a meeting with the Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), Mallam Kadiri Edah, who presented three certificates of recognition for the 2025 hajj exercise awarded by the Independent Hajj Reporters.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the minister noted that the awards from the non-governmental organization monitoring Hajj activities are evidence of the administration’s efforts, through the board, to provide exemplary services to pilgrims each year during the Hajj operation. Dr. Mahmoud emphasized the administration’s series of reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerians participating in the religious exercise through the FCT Pilgrims Board receive value for their money and satisfaction with the services offered.
The minister also highlighted that the administration will continue supporting the board and other departments in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She further disclosed the introduction of new strategies to help the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board achieve more awards of excellence in future Hajj operations by enhancing its services.
Earlier, Mallam Kadiri Edah, Director of the Board, revealed that the awards were a result of the support provided by the FCT Minister and the Minister of State throughout the 2025 Hajj exercise. Edah stated that with the administration’s backing, the Board managed to conduct a successful hajj exercise in 2025 despite challenges typically associated with hajj operations.
The director presented the three medals and certificates of excellence to FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, via the Chairman of the 2025 Hajj Ministerial Committee, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauranmanta. Meanwhile, three members of the MPWB staff were acknowledged for their exemplary performance during the last exercise.
Mallam Kadiri Edah was awarded for being the best Service-Oriented Pilgrims’ Board Executive during the 2025 Hajj exercise. Additionally, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Lawal Aliyu, and the Head of the ICT unit, Na’Allah Ado, were recognized for their commendable service to FCT Pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise in their respective fields.