The Jigawa State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has suspended its ongoing training and sensitisation programme, popularly known as ‘Bitar Alhazai’, until after the Ramadan fasting period.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Habibu Yusuf Babura, the Director-General of the board, Ahmad Labbo, announced the decision on Thursday while briefing journalists in Dutse.
Labbo said the programme, designed to equip intending pilgrims with knowledge of Islamic teachings and Hajj guidelines for the 2026 pilgrimage, was paused to enable participants focus on fasting and spiritual devotion during Ramadan.
“The training programme has been suspended to allow our pilgrims concentrate on their fasting and spiritual activities,” he said, adding that it would resume immediately after Ramadan and continue until departure to the Holy Land.
He disclosed that the board would provide pilgrims with uniforms, bags and other essential items ahead of the pilgrimage. He also said the board is compiling a list of pilgrims with underlying health conditions to ensure special meal arrangements are made for them in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the board has submitted pilgrims’ data to the national database and will undertake a visit to Saudi Arabia to finalise documentation and logistics.
Labbo advised intending pilgrims to continue learning about Hajj rites and use the Ramadan period for spiritual preparation.
