Governor Uba Sani has given each pilgrim from Kaduna performing the 2026 hajj 300 Saudi Riyals to support their welfare during the pilgrimage.

The governor announced the gesture on Thursday night while visiting Kaduna pilgrims at their tents in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ibraheem Musa, said the amount was equivalent to about N114,000 at the current exchange rate.

According to the statement, the governor commended the pilgrims and the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the successful conduct of the hajj.

He also praised the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, led by Abubakar Mustapha, for ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage.

Mr Sani said his administration made every effort to ensure the success of the pilgrimage and the comfort of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

The governor, however, apologised for any minor challenges experienced during the exercise, saying such lapses were unintentional.

“As human beings, we can only plan, but Allah determines the final outcome,” he said.

Narrating his experience before arriving at the pilgrims’ camp, Mr Sani said he trekked for several hours after roads leading to the area were blocked.

“The distance between my tent and the pilgrims’ camp is about two to three kilometers, and ordinarily, I would have arrived quickly. However, all roads leading here were blocked, and I had to trek for about four to five hours before reaching this place,” he said.

The governor urged the pilgrims to continue praying for peace, unity, and development in Nigeria, stressing that meaningful development would only thrive in a peaceful environment.

He also prayed for divine guidance and transformation for individuals causing unrest in society.

According to him, politics and the quest for public office should never be valued above human lives.

The executive chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Salihu Abubakar, commended the governor for his continued support and commitment to improving pilgrims’ welfare.

He noted that the governor had consistently approved requests aimed at enhancing Hajj operations and ensuring the comfort of Kaduna pilgrims.

The state’s auditor general, Abubakar Abdullahi, said no governor of the state had visited pilgrims in their tents since 1999 except Mr Sani.

Mr Abdullahi urged the pilgrims to continue supporting and praying for the governor, and for sustained peace and development in Kaduna and Nigeria at large.

(NAN)