The Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board and Sarkin Alhazan Katsina, Kabir Bature, has praised Governor Dikko Radda for his support towards the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise for pilgrims from the state.
Speaking in Makkah, Bature said the governor’s interventions significantly eased the pilgrimage for Katsina pilgrims. He noted that Radda paid for the pilgrims’ Hadaya (sacrificial animal) and also provided each pilgrim with 300 Saudi Riyals as Sallah gifts.
According to him, the governor further established additional committees to support the Pilgrims Board, management team and Amirul Hajj delegation, helping to ensure a smooth operation.
Bature expressed satisfaction with the accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims, describing the facilities as comfortable and located within the distance approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He added that the meals provided suited the dietary preferences of the pilgrims and attracted positive feedback.
The board chairman also highlighted extensive enlightenment campaigns conducted months before the Hajj, saying the exercise improved pilgrims’ understanding of Hajj rites and compliance with regulations.
He commended Saudi authorities for the introduction of the Nusuk card, which he said improved organisation and movement during the pilgrimage. However, he urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards to introduce state-issued identity cards to complement the system and help officials identify genuine pilgrims in camps and tents.
Bature expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the 2026 Hajj and said Katsina pilgrims were awaiting their return to Nigeria following the successful completion of the pilgrimage.
