The Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Katsina State 2026 Hajj Committee, Alhaji Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq Esq. has warned Local Government Hajj Desk Officers against acts capable of encouraging corruption and poor coordination during this year’s pilgrimage exercise.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with Local Government Hajj Desk Officers, El-Marzuq cautioned against the practice of contributing money to bus drivers in the Holy land, describing it as an act that promotes corruption and undermines proper organisation.
He said the meeting was convened to sensitise and guide desk officers on their responsibilities toward pilgrims, stressing that assisting pilgrims was their primary assignment.
According to him, each desk officer serves as the Amirul Hajj of his respective local government area and is expected to provide leadership and support to pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He urged the officers to work closely with members of the committee, guide pilgrims properly and ensure they arrive early during movements and scheduled activities.
The Amirul Hajj also advised pilgrims, particularly women, against carrying excessive luggage and drying extra food with the intention of taking it back home, noting that meals provided during the pilgrimage were meant for immediate consumption.
He further informed intending pilgrims that Zam Zam water would be officially provided, making private purchases unnecessary.
The Director of Operations, Dr. Nasiru Ɗan-Zaria, disclosed that pilgrims would be organised into groups of 45, with each aircraft expected to transport nine groups per trip to ensure smooth coordination.
In his remarks, the committee secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said Hajj operations in the state had continued to improve over the years and urged officials to study previous Hajj reports to avoid repeating past challenges.
The meeting also featured presentations and practical guidance on pilgrim coordination, transportation, group management and communication strategies.
Participants advised Local Government Hajj Desk Officers to ensure pilgrims were properly accounted for before boarding buses and encouraged the creation of communication channels, including WhatsApp groups, to improve coordination during the pilgrimage.
Maryam Aminu Abdullahi
A pharmacist, Maryam Aminu Abdullahi, advised pilgrims on medication management, urging those taking drugs to obtain prescriptions from government hospitals before travelling and to avoid unnecessary drug use.
The Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, said about 220 officials had been deployed to assist 2035 pilgrims during the exercise.
He assured that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure a successful Hajj operation and noted that regular announcements would be made to keep pilgrims informed throughout the exercise.
The meeting formed part of ongoing preparations by the Katsina State 2026 Hajj Committee ahead of this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
