Katsina Governor Calls on Pilgrims to Offer Prayers for Tranquility and Safety

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on Sunday, urged intending pilgrims from the 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.

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Speaking during the official farewell and send-off ceremony for the pilgrims in Katsina, the governor described Hajj as a sacred obligation and a rare spiritual privilege granted by Allah.

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“Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and today is indeed a special and blessed day for all of us. Those you see here are among the fortunate ones chosen by Allah to perform this sacred obligation,” Radda said.

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The governor disclosed that the state government intervened financially after challenges threatened Katsina’s allocated Hajj slots, revealing that the administration approved a N3.8 billion loan facility to secure participation for 3,890 pilgrims.

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“I have been informed that the state initially faced difficulties in meeting its allocated Hajj slots. In response, we approved a loan facility of N3.8 billion, which enabled Katsina State to secure and fill a total of 3,890 slots for this year’s Hajj,” he stated.

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Radda further announced that the Katsina State Government would sponsor the Hadaya sacrifice for all intending pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise. He added that each pilgrim would also receive a $500 allowance to cater to basic needs in Saudi Arabia.

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According to him, about 200 officials have been deployed to provide medical care, spiritual guidance, welfare services, and logistical support throughout the pilgrimage.

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“All have been carefully selected and supported to provide spiritual guidance, medical care, and logistical assistance throughout the pilgrimage,” the governor said.

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He urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and serve as good ambassadors of Katsina State, noting that many families made sacrifices to enable their loved ones to undertake the spiritual journey.

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“Many people sold personal belongings to perform Hajj. Therefore, you are expected to conduct yourselves with the highest level of discipline, patience, and mutual respect,” he cautioned.

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Radda also warned against spreading misinformation capable of misrepresenting government efforts during the pilgrimage.

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The governor said his administration had strengthened the institutional capacity of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve operational efficiency and service delivery, while also improving accommodation and feeding arrangements for pilgrims in the Holy Land.

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Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Dankama, said Katsina successfully secured 3,890 Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

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Dankama commended pilgrims from the state for their discipline in previous Hajj exercises, saying independent observers consistently ranked Katsina among the most organised contingents in the country. “This reputation is a source of pride for us. We urge you to maintain this standard during the 2026 Hajj exercise”.

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Representing the North-West Zonal Office of NAHCON, Muhammad Bin Othman, through Commissioner Umar Kalgo, praised Katsina State for its effective Hajj management system and urged pilgrims to comply with all Saudi regulations, especially proper handling of the Nusuk Card.

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The Amirul Hajj, Ahmed El-Marzuq, said consultations had been held with stakeholders and community leaders to ensure smooth coordination of the pilgrimage. “We have clearly defined roles for all officials to ensure efficiency and accountability,” he said.

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