Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Monday inaugurated the state committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise, appointing Alhaji Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq as Chairman and Amirul Hajj.
The inauguration, held on April 13, 2026, underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring a well-organised, smooth and successful pilgrimage for intending pilgrims from the state.
Governor Radda charged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, dedication and a strong sense of accountability, noting that their role is critical to the success of the Hajj operation.
The committee members include Alhaji Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq as Chairman, alongside Alhaji Ali Isah, Engr. Ahmed Diddiri Amadu, Alhaji Sani Ahmed, Justice Hajaratu Hajjo Lawal, Malama Murja Ibrahim Duwan, Hajiya Mairo Ibrahim I. Janada, Rt. Hon. Abduljalal Haruna Runka, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Abdulkadir, Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Safana, and Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, who will serve as Secretary.
The committee draws its membership from diverse sectors to ensure broad representation and effective coordination. Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Abdulkadir, Chairman of the Katsina State Radio and Television Services, represents the media, while Justice Hajaratu Hajjo Lawal serves as the representative of the judiciary.
The committee has been mandated to coordinate all activities related to the 2026 Hajj, including the planning and logistics of pilgrims’ transportation, provision of welfare services both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and advising the government on improvements for future exercises.
Reiterating his administration’s focus on transparency, efficiency and the welfare of pilgrims, the governor also urged intending pilgrims to comply with laid-down rules and cooperate fully with officials throughout the exercise.
Barrister Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq
In his remarks, the Chairman and Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq, expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in the committee, assuring that members would work diligently to ensure a successful Hajj operation.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasiru Yahya Daura; the Chief Judge of the state, Musa Danladi Abubakar; Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Head of Civil Service, Falalu Bawale; Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; as well as lawmakers, traditional rulers, commissioners and other senior government officials.
