As thousands of intending pilgrims from Katsina State prepare to depart for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, Governor Dikko Radda has called on them to offer prayers for lasting peace, unity, and improved security in the state and across Nigeria.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday during the official farewell and send-off ceremony for the state’s pilgrims in Katsina, where he described the pilgrimage as one of the most sacred obligations in Islam and a rare spiritual privilege granted by Allah.
Addressing the gathering, Radda said Hajj remains one of the five pillars of Islam and represents a deeply significant moment in the lives of every Muslim fortunate enough to undertake the journey.
He noted that those selected to participate in this year’s exercise should regard the opportunity mn as a blessing and a responsibility, urging them to remember the state and the nation in their prayers while in the Holy Land.
According to the governor, the state government took decisive financial steps after early challenges threatened Katsina’s allocated Hajj slots for the year.
He disclosed that his administration approved a loan facility of N3.8 billion to enable the state secure full participation for 3,890 intending pilgrims.
Radda explained that the intervention became necessary after concerns emerged over the possibility of losing part of the state’s allocated quota.
He said the financial support ensured that Katsina successfully retained and filled all available slots approved for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The governor also announced additional support measures aimed at easing the burden on pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the state’s intervention, the government will sponsor the Hadaya sacrifice for all intending pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In addition, each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to assist with basic personal needs, welfare, and other essential expenses during the pilgrimage.
Radda said the move reflects the government’s commitment to improving the overall welfare and comfort of pilgrims from the state.
To strengthen coordination and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, the governor disclosed that approximately 200 officials have been deployed to support the pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He explained that the officials were carefully selected to provide medical services, spiritual guidance, welfare assistance, and logistical coordination during the Hajj period.
According to him, the support team will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that pilgrims receive the care and assistance required at every stage of the journey.
The governor also urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with discipline, patience, and dignity, stressing that they would be representing not only their families but also the image of Katsina State and Nigeria before the international Muslim community.
He reminded them that many families make enormous sacrifices to enable their loved ones undertake the spiritual journey, and therefore every pilgrim must uphold the highest standards of personal conduct, mutual respect, and responsibility.
Radda further warned against the spread of misinformation or misleading narratives capable of undermining government efforts or creating unnecessary confusion during the pilgrimage.
He said accurate communication and cooperation with designated officials would remain critical to the success of the exercise.
The governor added that his administration has strengthened the institutional capacity of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and the overall welfare of pilgrims.
He noted that accommodation arrangements, feeding logistics, and other support systems in the Holy Land have also been improved to provide a more comfortable experience for participants from the state.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Dankama, confirmed that the state successfully secured 3,890 Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Dankama praised pilgrims from Katsina State for maintaining a strong reputation of discipline and organisation during previous Hajj operations.
He said independent observers have consistently ranked Katsina among the most organised state contingents in the country, describing the recognition as a source of pride for the state.
He urged the intending pilgrims to preserve that reputation by complying with regulations and maintaining the high standards for which Katsina has become known.
Representing the North-West Zonal Office of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Muhammad Bin Othman, through Commissioner Umar Kalgo, commended the state government for its effective Hajj management system.
He also advised pilgrims to comply fully with all regulations issued by authorities in Saudi Arabia, especially those relating to travel documentation and the proper handling of the Nusuk Card, which remains a key identification and access document during the pilgrimage.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Amirul Hajj, Ahmed El-Marzuq, said extensive consultations had been held with community leaders, religious stakeholders, and relevant officials to ensure smooth coordination of the exercise.
He stated that clearly defined responsibilities had been assigned to all officials involved in the operation to guarantee efficiency, accountability, and timely response to emerging issues.
The 2026 Hajj exercise comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are intensifying preparations to improve welfare arrangements, strengthen logistics, and provide better support services for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
For Katsina State, the latest intervention signals both a spiritual and administrative commitment to ensuring that pilgrims perform the sacred obligation under safe, organised, and dignified conditions.
As the pilgrims begin their journey, the state government says it remains hopeful that their prayers for peace, national unity, and stronger security will contribute positively to the future of Nigeria.
