Sokoto Governor Bids Farewell to First Batch of Pilgrims for 2026 Hajj
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, on Monday bade farewell to the first batch of intending pilgrims departing the state for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The farewell ceremony took place at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport and attracted government officials, management staff of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Head of Information and Communications of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruku Umar, disclosed this in a statement.
Represented by his deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir, Governor Ahmad Aliyu congratulated the intending pilgrims for being among those selected to perform the sacred pilgrimage this year.
He urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with discipline, patience and fear of Allah throughout their stay in the Holy Land, stressing the need for them to serve as worthy ambassadors of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The governor also advised the pilgrims to obey the rules and regulations guiding the Hajj exercise and dedicate themselves to prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Ahmad Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting a smooth and successful Hajj operation and commended the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the arrangements made for the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims.
He prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection for the pilgrims and wished them a safe journey and successful completion of their religious obligations.
Speaking earlier, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, congratulated the pilgrims on the opportunity to perform Hajj.
Dingyadi urged them to maintain unity, patience and mutual understanding throughout the pilgrimage and comply with directives issued by Hajj officials and Saudi authorities.
He also called on the pilgrims to pray for Sokoto State, Nigeria and their leaders, while wishing them a safe journey and accepted Hajj.
