By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have been urged to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria, as well as for the wellbeing of citizens and the success of the country’s leadership.
The appeal was made by Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, leader of the five-member Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, during a visit to pilgrims at their residence along Ibrahim Khalil Road in the Misfala District of Makkah on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, Mustapha called on the pilgrims to remember President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in their prayers.
The delegation leader also expressed support for the re-election of both leaders, saying their continued leadership would sustain ongoing people-oriented policies and development initiatives at the national and state levels.
Mustapha, a former Head of Service in Kaduna State, described Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style as wise and impactful, despite what he referred to as the governor’s relatively young age.
He further advised the pilgrims to remain law-abiding throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia by observing both Islamic injunctions and the laws of the host country.
The delegation included the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Professor Bello Ayuba; the District Head of Rigasa and Dangaladiman Zazzau, Arc Mohammed Aminu Idris; and Islamic clerics Dr Imam Tukur Adam Almanar and Malam Abdullahi Rabiu Ishaq.
Speaking earlier, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a member of the Special Hajj Committee of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, briefed the pilgrims on the significance and rituals associated with Mina, one of the key locations for Hajj rites.
He explained that Mina, located about eight kilometres from Makkah, covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometres and contains hundreds of tents designated for pilgrims.
Maraya disclosed that Governor Uba Sani had engaged 85 officials, including Islamic clerics, to guide Kaduna pilgrims and ensure a spiritually fulfilling Hajj exercise.
“The Governor is not only concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of Kaduna pilgrims, he is equally concerned that they achieve Hajj Mabroor,” he said.
According to him, each tent housing Kaduna pilgrims has been assigned an Islamic cleric to provide spiritual guidance, lead prayers, and assist pilgrims in observing Hajj rites correctly.
He described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that Kaduna State was the only subnational government to adopt such an extensive support structure for its pilgrims.
“This is unprecedented and Kaduna State is the only subnational that has taken this extraordinary step to ensure that its pilgrims perform their Hajj as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Governor deserves commendation for that and may Allah (SWT) reward him abundantly,” Maraya added.
