BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the death of one of the state's pilgrims welfare officials, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, at Al-Noor Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, following a brief illness.
Until his death, Alhaji Shehu served as chairman of the information and publicity committee for the 2026 Hajj operation and was also a Permanent Secretary in the office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG).
The late official played a key role in coordinating accommodation arrangements for Bauchi State pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The late Shehu also coordinated the feeding of Bauchi State pilgrims, serving as the Secretary of the feeding Committee.
He reportedly died on Saturday night after a brief illness, having ushered all the pilgrims and officials on the 5th flight who had arrived in Makkah from Madina the previous night.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent from Saudi Arabia, former director of operations of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and one of the State Coordinators for 2026 Hajj, Alhaji Sabiu Barau Ningi, confirmed Jalam's passing. He said the deceased first complained of feeling unwell shortly after arriving from Medina.
According to Ningi, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Bauchi deputy Governor, the deceased had visited a clinic at Madina where he was treated and discharged.
"He followed the advance team even before the arrival of Bauchi pilgrims in Mecca. They worked tirelessly until the arrival of the last batch of pilgrims," Ningi said.
He explained that the late Shehu Jalam was involved in the allocation of accommodation to pilgrims, officials and other members of the delegation.
"By the grace of God, all rooms were allocated successfully. He was among those leading the accommodation exercise and remained committed to the service of pilgrims until his final moments," he added.
Ningi further disclosed that the deceased's condition later worsened and he was moved to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Mecca, where he eventually passed away on Saturday night.
"Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam passed away yesterday night at 2:00 AM Saudi time, which is 12:00 AM Nigerian time, at Al-Noor Hospital, Makkah," the coordinator said.
He said the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, had already informed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and necessary arrangements were being made for his funeral at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
According to him, the likely cause of death was a heart-related complication, noting that the deceased had been managing high blood pressure.
He described the late Shehu Jalam as one of the most dedicated officials in the service of Bauchi pilgrims, praising his commitment, courage and selflessness.
"We have lost a hardworking and committed individual who devoted himself to ensuring the comfort and welfare of Bauchi pilgrims," Ningi said.
He extended condolences to the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, the family of the deceased, the people of Jalam Emirate and Dambam Local Government Area, people of Bauchi and 2026 Bauchi Amirul Hajji and emir of Misau Alhaji Ahmad Sulaiman and over the loss.
Ningi also recalled that the late Shehu Jalam had previously participated in Hajj operations as a volunteer before he was officially appointed into the state pilgrims welfare committee due to his dedication and outstanding service.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Jannatul Firdaus, and gives his family, colleagues, and the entire 2026 Hajj Operation team the strength to bear this great loss. "May Allah make his grave one of the gardens of Paradise.”
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