Governor Radda Pays Nearly N400m Hadaya for Katsina Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has sponsored the Hadaya (sacrificial offering) for all pilgrims from the state who participated in the 2026 Hajj, expending nearly N400 million on the exercise.
The Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Zakat and Waqaf Board, Malam Ahmad Filin Samji, disclosed this in an interview with Hajj Gazette in Makkah.
According to him, a total of 2,035 pilgrims benefited from the gesture, with the state government paying SR500 for each pilgrim’s Hadaya. An additional 58 pilgrims also had their sacrificial obligations covered at a cost of SR720 each.
Malam Filin Samji said the sponsorship has become a tradition under Governor Radda’s administration and has been sustained since he assumed office three years ago.
He noted that the initiative was implemented through the Katsina State Zakat and Waqaf Board.
He explained that the Hadaya exercise was completed successfully and in accordance with established procedures, despite a challenge that prevented the distribution of sacrificial meat to pilgrims, a practice previously undertaken by the state.
“In the past, we used to slaughter about 300 rams, process and fry the meat, and then distribute it to our pilgrims in their hotels,” he said.
He attributed the inability to continue the practice this year to Saudi Arabia’s regulations governing workers and permit requirements.
“The individuals who used to carry out the work for us were not granted access into Saudi Arabia this year. We explored alternatives and searched for workers who could undertake the frying, but we were unable to secure any,” he explained.
Despite the setback, the board chairman expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the exercise.
“Apart from that, everything went as planned and successfully. We thank Almighty Allah for granting us success.
The sacrificial exercise was conducted smoothly, completed successfully, and concluded in line with the established procedures. Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board Ali Haruna Daura, told Hajj Gazette that the Hadaya sponsorship forms part of the state government’s welfare support package for pilgrims performing the annual Islamic pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
