GOV RADDA URGES KATSINA PILGRIMS TO PRAY FOR PEACE, SECURITY DURING 2026 HAJJ
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Governor Dikko Radda has urged intending pilgrims from Katsina State to pray for lasting peace, unity, and improved security in the state and across Nigeria as they embark on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday during the official farewell and send-off ceremony for the pilgrims in Katsina.
Radda described Hajj as a sacred obligation and a rare spiritual privilege granted by Allah, noting that those selected for the pilgrimage were among the fortunate few chosen to fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam.
The governor disclosed that the Katsina State Government approved a N3.8 billion loan facility to address challenges that initially threatened the state’s allocated Hajj slots.
According to him, the intervention enabled the state to secure and fill a total of 3,890 slots for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
Radda also announced that the state government would sponsor the Hadaya sacrifice for all intending pilgrims and provide each pilgrim with a $500 allowance to support their basic needs during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
He further revealed that about 200 officials had been deployed to provide medical care, welfare support, spiritual guidance, and logistical assistance throughout the pilgrimage period.
The governor urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the image of Katsina State while in the Holy Land.
He noted that many families made sacrifices to enable their loved ones to participate in the pilgrimage and therefore called on the pilgrims to demonstrate discipline, patience, and mutual respect at all times.
Radda also warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining government efforts during the Hajj exercise.
According to him, his administration has strengthened the operational capacity of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve service delivery, accommodation, and feeding arrangements for pilgrims.
Earlier, the Director-General of the board, Yunusa Dankama, confirmed that the state successfully secured 3,890 Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Dankama commended pilgrims from Katsina for maintaining a strong record of discipline and organisation during previous Hajj exercises, urging them to sustain the reputation during the 2026 pilgrimage.
Also speaking, a representative of the North-West Zonal Office of NAHCON, Muhammad Bin Othman, represented by Commissioner Umar Kalgo, praised Katsina State for its effective Hajj management system and advised pilgrims to comply strictly with Saudi Arabian regulations, particularly regarding the handling of the Nusuk Card.
The Amirul Hajj, Ahmed El-Marzuq, also assured pilgrims that extensive consultations had been held with stakeholders and community leaders to ensure smooth coordination of the exercise.
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