By Adamu Yusuf
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, has urged intending pilgrims from the state to pray for peace, unity and security in Nigeria during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
He made the call during the flag-off of the inaugural flight for Kaduna pilgrims at the Hajj Transit Camp in Kaduna.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Uba Sani said the state government had put in place measures to ensure a smooth and comfortable Hajj operation for all pilgrims.
He explained that the government had renovated facilities at the Hajj camp to improve the welfare of pilgrims, including the provision of large halls, ventilators, restrooms, clinics and shopping areas.
The Governor added that buses had also been provided to ease transportation between the camp and the airport.
He commended the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and other stakeholders for their collaboration towards a hitch-free Hajj exercise.
Uba Sani further advised pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly in Saudi Arabia and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of Kaduna State and Nigeria.
He also congratulated the pilgrims on the opportunity to perform Hajj and urged them to remember Kaduna State and Nigeria in their prayers for lasting peace, unity and Allah’s blessings.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, has cautioned intending pilgrims against travelling with prohibited items and collecting luggage from strangers during the pilgrimage.
He stressed the need for pilgrims to comply with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Bamalli also urged the pilgrims to use the spiritual exercise to pray for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria, noting that the country was facing numerous challenges that required divine intervention.
Earlier, Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, commended the Kaduna State Government for upgrading facilities at the Hajj camp.
He said the improvements, including roads and new hostels, were aimed at making Kaduna Hajj operations among the best in the country.
Alhaji Salihu added that the agency had intensified efforts to ensure the comfort, safety and welfare of pilgrims through adequate enlightenment on health, security and other civic responsibilities.
About one thousand seven hundred intending pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj from Kaduna State.
