Katsina Pilgrims Board Rollout Enlightenment, Simulation Exercises Ahead of 2026 Hajj
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced a statewide enlightenment campaign, alongside Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) briefings and practical simulation exercises, as part of its preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
Executive Director of the Board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Hajj Gazette, outlining a structured approach aimed at equipping intending pilgrims with the knowledge and practical experience required for a seamless pilgrimage.
According to him, the Board has activated its zonal operational framework to ensure comprehensive outreach and effective sensitisation across the state.
“We do this. We have several zonal offices, and we are carrying out all the enlightenment programmes. Even for practical exercises, we have places where we simulate the Hajj rites,” he said.
Dankama explained that the hands-on simulation exercises are designed to replicate key Hajj rituals, enabling pilgrims to gain familiarity with the processes before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
“We do it practically so that our pilgrims will be familiar with the process before going to Saudi Arabia.
We flagged off the enlightenment programme on Monday and are now visiting our zonal offices within the state to ensure our people are sensitized and fully enlightened for the Hajj exercise,” he added.
The initiative underscores a growing shift among state pilgrims’ boards toward proactive, field-based training models aimed at reducing errors during the pilgrimage and enhancing overall compliance with Saudi guidelines.
Hajj Gazette reports that Katsina is not alone in this approach. Several other states, including Kaduna, Kano, Gombe and the FCT, Abuja as well as other states, have also intensified their enlightenment campaigns, induction programmes and practical simulations as part of coordinated efforts to improve pilgrims’ preparedness nationwide.
The increased focus on pre-departure education reflects lessons from previous Hajj operations, where gaps in pilgrims’ understanding of rites and logistics impacted performance and compliance levels.
With months to the 2026 Hajj, stakeholders say sustained enlightenment and simulation exercises will be critical in ensuring a smooth, efficient and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Nigerian contingents.
