The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) mourned on Wednesday the passing on of a member of its National Media Team to the 2024 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malam Kabiru Yusuf.

The late Yusuf, who returned to Kano from Saudi Arabia last Sunday, died in the early hours of today.

Described as a thorough-bred journalist and gentleman, news of Yusuf’s death was received by members of the 2024 NMT as a shock, as they expressed surprise at his death.

Reacting to the death in a release signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of its Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the Hajj body stated that it mourned Yusuf’s death with a deep sense of loss and total submission to the will of Allah.

While stating that the entire team at NAHCON is saddened by Yusuf’s death, the commission described the deceased as not only its friend but also a principled journalist.

The commission added that it takes solace in the fact that the late Yusuf remained a part of it until his final days on earth.

“It is with a deep sense of loss but total submission to the will of Allah that we mourn the death of one of our 2024 Hajj Media Team members, Malam Kabiru Yusuf of Radio France International.

“Malam Kabiru Yusuf had been a friend of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) from its inception with Malam Musa Bello as Chairman until his demise.

“He left the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hale and hearty on Sunday and returned to his family in Kano. Indeed, the principled journalist had a premonition of his final days, having left Wasiyya (will) with a close confidant shortly before his demise.

“The entire team at NAHCON is saddened by his death, but we take solace in the fact that he remained a part of us until his final days on earth.

“The NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, extends the Commission’s deepest condolences to his family and the family of Radio France International, Hausa Service.

“Malam Jalal Arabi also extends heartfelt sympathies to his friends and colleagues in the media team during this challenging time.

“We pray that his last Hajj was indeed Hajj Mabrur. May Jannatul Firdaus be his final abode. May his cherished memories bring us all comfort and peace knowing that he was a good man,” NAHCON stated.

The late Yusuf is survived by three wives and 17 children.