2026 Hajj: Governor Radda Pays Sacrifice Fees for Katsina Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has paid the sacrifice fees for all pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise, citing concerns that the $500 allocated to them as Basic Travel Allowance may not adequately cover their expenses.
Hajj Gazette reports that the governor provided each pilgrim with SR500 to cover the cost of Hadaya, one of the key rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board announced the gesture during a farewell ceremony held at its headquarters along Daura Road in Katsina metropolis. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and other senior government officials attended the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of the board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama commended the state government for its extensive support toward the success of this year’s Hajj operations.
He disclosed that the government released more than N3 billion to secure the state’s Hajj allocation and implement critical arrangements that enabled Katsina State to secure 2,035 pilgrim slots.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, said the state government had fully sponsored all officials deployed to assist pilgrims in order to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj exercise.
According to him, the government appointed two Islamic clerics from each local government area, alongside coordinators responsible for guiding pilgrims from their respective councils.
“The state government has also sponsored officials who will guide pilgrims in the Holy Land and show them places of worship and other important locations,” the governor said.
He added that the government had also sponsored medical personnel and caregivers to attend to pilgrims requiring medical attention during the pilgrimage.
Governor Radda further urged the pilgrims to pray for lasting peace, unity, and development in Katsina State while performing their religious obligations in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the airlift of pilgrims from the Funtua zone is expected to commence this Monday.
