Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Muhammad Isa Umar, as the Amirul Hajj for the state’s 2027 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The governor announced the appointment on Friday at the Rano Emirate during the wedding and turbaning ceremony of the Emir’s first son, Muhammad Abubakar Isa. The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Saturday.

Governor Yusuf explained that the decision followed the convention of rotating the leadership of the state’s Hajj delegation among the emirates. He noted that the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, led Kano’s delegation during the 2026 Hajj.

“Next year’s Hajj 2027, the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Ambassador Muhammad Isa Umaru, is going to be the Amirul Hajj,” the governor said.

The Emir of Rano and members of the emirate expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for the appointment, describing it as an honour and a responsibility.

The Amirul Hajj is expected to provide traditional leadership and guidance to Kano State pilgrims during the pilgrimage, working with relevant government agencies and officials to support the welfare and smooth conduct of the exercise.

The appointment comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj gradually begin, with states expected to put structures in place ahead of the annual pilgrimage.