By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government has urged intending pilgrims from the state to obey laws of Saudi Arabia and conduct themselves responsibly during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, made the call today while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the 2026 Hajj Practical Demonstration Exercise held at the Sayyidi Abubakar Hajj Demonstration Centre.
Garo described the exercise as an important part of Hajj preparation, urging pilgrims to pay attention to guidance from scholars and officials to ensure proper and safe performance of the pilgrimage.
According to him, the orientation programme was designed to educate and spiritually prepare pilgrims on major Hajj rites including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina and the symbolic stoning of Jamarat.
He also commended the leadership and staff of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for their efforts in coordinating this year’s Hajj operations, including fare collection, medical screening, logistics and orientation activities.
According to him, the state government had strengthened medical and welfare arrangements for pilgrims, including the deployment of healthcare personnel, Islamic scholars and provision of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
In a notable welfare intervention, he announced that the state government has shouldered the provision of all pilgrims’ Ihram garments, further easing their preparatory burden.
The Deputy Governor, further conveyed the goodwill of the Governor, announcing a gesture of 200 Saudi Riyals to each intending pilgrim, urging them to represent Kano and Nigeria with dignity and exemplary comportment.
He equally urged pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray for Kano State and Nigeria, while praying for a successful and accepted Hajj for all the intending pilgrims.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ibrahim Abubakar Matawalle, said the Hajj practical demonstration exercise has remained part of preparations for intending pilgrims after theoretical sessions.
He disclosed that despite challenges encountered during preparations, the board finalized pilgrims’ passports after seven days of continuous work and conducted vaccination exercises against nine diseases.
Matawalle said transportation arrangements and visas for all 3,600 Kano pilgrims had been completed, making Kano the only state to secure complete visas for all its pilgrims.
He added that the first batch of 560 pilgrims would be airlifted on May 14, 2026, while pilgrims’ kits, feeding arrangements and welfare packages had already been put in place.
The Director General also warned pilgrims against engaging in “Hadiya,” noting that violators risk deportation by Saudi authorities, and urged intending pilgrims to remain patient and cooperative throughout the exercise.
Also speaking, the NAHCON Zonal Coordinator (Kano, Katsina and Jigawa), Umar Muhammad Kalgo, emphasized the importance of the “Nusuk” card, describing it as more important than a passport during the pilgrimage.
He warned that any pilgrim found without the card risks deportation and advised pilgrims to take precautions against the severe heat in Saudi Arabia by drinking enough water and maintaining good health.
Kalgo also urged pilgrims to safeguard their personal belongings, especially money, noting that access to ATMs in Saudi Arabia may be limited.
Similarly, the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, called on intending pilgrims to exercise patience and tolerate one another during the Hajj exercise.
He noted that while some pilgrims may prefer cold weather, others may prefer heat, while some may walk fast and others slowly, stressing the need for mutual understanding and patience among pilgrims.
The Emir also urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Kano State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.
