\n\n
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has urged intending pilgrims from the state to pray for lasting peace, unity, and improved security in Katsina and across Nigeria as they embark on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The governor made the appeal during the official farewell ceremony for the pilgrims in Katsina, describing Hajj as a sacred spiritual obligation and a rare privilege granted by Allah. 
Radda revealed that the Katsina State Government approved a ₦3.8 billion loan facility after difficulties threatened the state’s allocated Hajj slots. According to him, the intervention enabled the state to secure participation for 3,890 pilgrims in this year’s pilgrimage exercise. He also announced that the government would sponsor the Hadaya sacrifice for all pilgrims and provide each pilgrim with a $500 allowance to assist with basic expenses in Saudi Arabia. 
The governor further disclosed that about 200 officials had been deployed to support the pilgrims with medical care, spiritual guidance, welfare services, and logistics throughout the pilgrimage. He urged the pilgrims to remain disciplined, patient, and law-abiding while representing Katsina State and Nigeria in the Holy Land, warning against spreading misinformation capable of damaging the image of the state or the country. 
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Dankama, commended pilgrims from the state for maintaining a reputation for discipline during previous Hajj exercises. Representatives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria also praised Katsina’s Hajj management system and advised pilgrims to comply strictly with Saudi Arabian regulations during the spiritual exercise. 
