MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia — The Amirul Hajj and leader of the Katsina State 2026 Hajj Delegation, Barrister Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, on Saturday flagged off the distribution of a 300 Saudi Riyals Sallah gift approved by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for all 2,035 Katsina State pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj.
The Amirul Hajj also announced the refund of 100 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim, representing the balance from their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA).
Speaking during the launch of the payment exercise on May 30, El-Marzuq described the gesture as another welfare intervention by Governor Radda aimed at easing the financial burden on pilgrims and enhancing their comfort while carrying out the sacred rites.
He noted that the initiative came in addition to the Governor’s earlier decision to pay for the Hadaya of all Katsina pilgrims, a move widely applauded by beneficiaries.
The Amirul Hajj commended Governor Radda for his sustained commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and urged the beneficiaries to continue praying for peace, security and prosperity in Katsina State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, said the gathering was convened specifically to implement the Governor’s promise and ensure that all pilgrims received the approved payments.
Dankama praised the Governor’s support for the Hajj operation, noting that the interventions had significantly eased the burden on pilgrims.
Also addressing the gathering, the Director of Administration and Finance of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board and District Head of Musawa, Alhaji Sagir Abdullahi Inde, explained that the payment process had been organized into groups to facilitate a smooth and efficient distribution exercise.
He said each pilgrim would receive payment through the same official who had earlier issued their travel documents, a measure designed to ensure accountability and speed up the process.
The exercise was supervised by members of the Katsina State Hajj Delegation, who were deployed across the Funtua, Daura, Katsina and Headquarters zones to coordinate the payments.
Some pilgrims who spoke on behalf of their colleagues expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for the gesture, describing it as timely and thoughtful. They offered prayers for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings upon the Governor and the people of Katsina State.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by members of the 2026 Hajj Delegation, members of the Board and Management of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, as well as members of the Katsina State House of Assembly.
