By GARBA MUHAMMAD and IBRAHIM GAMBO, Kaduna

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the appointment of two new members to serve on the Special Hajj Committee. The appointees are Halliru Abdullahi Maraya and Abdullahi Bayero.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, by Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the governor urged the new members to carry out their duties with utmost diligence and integrity. He also prayed for Allah’s guidance in their new roles.

Halliru Abdullahi Maraya

Halliru Abdullahi Maraya is a renowned expert in Islamic affairs, a dedicated peace advocate, and a promoter of interfaith dialogue. He has previously served as: Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State (2011–2015); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Matters (2010–2011); and Northern Coordinator, Global Peace Foundation, Nigeria.

Maraya is currently a member of the National Ulama Hajj Committee and is skilled in mediation, interfaith dialogue, management, and administration. Notably, he co-won the 2017 Global Peace Foundation Award for Interfaith Actors.

Abdullahi Bayero

Abdullahi Bayero is an accomplished businessman, experienced public servant, and advocate for the rights of the underprivileged. He has held various roles, including: Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on Stakeholder Relations (2015); Stakeholder in Operations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) (2024), where he supervised and monitored Hajj logistics and welfare services for pilgrims; Member, Ulama Committee, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (2019); and Member, Feeding Committee, National Hajj Commission (2017).

Bayero holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management.

Governor Uba Sani’s appointments reaffirm his commitment to ensuring the efficient and effective management of Hajj operations in Kaduna State.