By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has secured a loan facility of N3.8 billion to fill the state’s allocated 3,890 slots for the 2026 Hajj operation.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda disclosed this while bidding farewell to the first batch of intending pilgrims from the state.
The governor announced that the state government would cover the cost of Hadaya for all intending pilgrims.
He also revealed that each pilgrim would receive 500 Saudi Riyals as allowance to support their basic needs while in the Holy Land.
According to him, the government has also sponsored 200 officials to ensure effective coordination, welfare support and spiritual guidance during the pilgrimage.
“All have been carefully selected and supported to provide spiritual guidance, medical care and logistics assistance throughout the pilgrimage,” he said.
Governor Radda urged the intending pilgrims to serve as worthy ambassadors of the state and pray for lasting peace in Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Dankama, said the state secured the 3,890 Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Dankama advised the pilgrims to strictly adhere to schedules, screening, documentation and departure procedures, warning that missing a flight could lead to forfeiture due to strict international arrangements.
In his remarks, the state Amirul Hajj, Ahmed Usman El Marzug, said the Hajj team was fully prepared to ensure a successful and well-coordinated operation.
