Hajj Flakes – 14th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
1. Dr. Gidado Halilu, former Head of the National Medical Team of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and Medical Director of Kaduna Polytechnic, has passed away.
2. The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the distribution of main luggage to returning pilgrims while warning against excess hand baggage ahead of return flights.
3. The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board says return flights for its pilgrims are scheduled to commence on June 6th.
4. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has donated 300 Saudi Riyals each to 2,090 Bauchi pilgrims, while his wife distributed free blankets and towels to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
5. Saudi authorities have announced a major reform for future Hajj operations with mandatory training for Hajj affairs personnel to become a requirement for visa processing.
6. Under the new framework, Hajj affairs offices and foreign Hajj companies will begin securing accommodation in Makkah and Madinah from June 30, while current holy sites allocations may be retained until August 13.
7. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has fulfilled his promise by gifting 100 Saudi Riyals each to all 980 Osun pilgrims in Makkah.
8. Governor Adeleke commended the conduct of Osun pilgrims, noting that none was reported to have violated Saudi regulations during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
9. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed all international passengers arriving in Nigeria to complete the NCDC Health Declaration Form following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
10. Airlines have also been instructed to notify passengers before departure and report any suspected communicable disease cases to health authorities.
11. A NAHCON inspection team led by Commissioner Prince Aliyu Abdulrazak has held an interactive session with South-South pilgrims in Muna to assess service delivery during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
12. Pilgrims acknowledged improvements in transportation, accommodation and flight operations, while raising concerns over overcrowding, feeding arrangements, hygiene, tent space and information dissemination in some locations.
13. NAHCON says observations and recommendations gathered during the exercise will be reviewed as part of efforts to strengthen future Hajj operations.
Did you know/ fun facts
14. The famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta performed Hajj multiple times and left vivid descriptions of pilgrim life in the 14th century.
15. Repatriation operations begin immediately after Hajj, with airlines, airports, and Hajj missions coordinating the return of pilgrims to countries across the world.
16. Many national Hajj missions continue operating for weeks after the rituals end, assisting pilgrims with accommodation, healthcare, transportation, and return flights.
17. Visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi after Hajj remains a common practice for pilgrims before they return home.
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