By Sabiu Abdullahi
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has presented 300 Saudi Riyals each to pilgrims from the state currently performing the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The governor handed out the gifts during a visit to the pilgrims at their tents in Muna on Thursday night.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, stated that each pilgrim would receive the equivalent of about N114,000 based on the current exchange rate.
According to the statement, Governor Sani praised the pilgrims and the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the successful conduct of this year’s Hajj exercise.
He also commended the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee led by Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha for ensuring a smooth operation throughout the pilgrimage.
The governor said his administration made every possible effort to ensure that pilgrims from the state enjoyed a successful Hajj exercise.
He, however, apologised for any minor shortcomings recorded during the exercise, stressing that they were not intentional.
Governor Sani stated that “as human beings, we can only plan but only Allah(SWT) determines the final outcome.”
While narrating his experience during the visit, the governor explained that the distance between his tent and the pilgrims’ location was estimated at between two and three kilometres.
“The distance from where his tent was situated and where the pilgrims are staying, was estimated to be between 2 to 3 kilometers. Averagely, I would have arrived here in no time.
“However, all roads leading to this area have been blocked and I had to trek for four to five hours before reaching here,” he said.
The governor urged the pilgrims to continue praying for peace and stability in Nigeria, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He also prayed for Allah to guide those causing unrest in society if they are willing to change, and to distance them from society if they refuse to abandon their actions.
According to him, political ambition and the pursuit of public office should never be placed above the lives of Kaduna citizens.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, said Governor Uba Sani had consistently approved requests aimed at improving pilgrims’ welfare and enhancing the Hajj exercise.
He thanked the governor for supporting the agency and easing challenges associated with the pilgrimage.
Also speaking, the Auditor General of Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, said no Kaduna governor had visited pilgrims in their tents since 1999 until Governor Uba Sani’s visit.
He urged the pilgrims to continue supporting the governor and praying for lasting peace and development in Kaduna State.
