By Lamara Garba
The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has approved a comprehensive welfare package for over 4,000 pilgrims from the state currently performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ahmad Ja’afaru Jega, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Makkah, saying Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu had fully paid for the pilgrims’ Hadaya sacrifice as part of the welfare package provided for the state contingents.
According to him, the governor paid 720 Saudi Riyals for the Hadaya of each pilgrim, an amount equivalent to about 200 US dollars, in order to ensure that all pilgrims perform the important rite without financial difficulty.
Alhaji Ahmad Ja’afaru Jega further revealed that the Kebbi State Government also provided an additional 350 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim to ease their stay in Makkah and assist them in meeting some personal expenses during the pilgrimage.
He added that the state government equally distributed free Ihram materials to male pilgrims and Hijabs to female pilgrims as part of efforts to ensure comfort and adequate preparation for the Hajj rites.
According to the Amirul Hajj, the gesture by Governor Nasir Idris was aimed at easing the burden on pilgrims and ensuring that they perform their religious obligations with comfort, dignity and peace of mind throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
He explained that the payment of the Hadaya and other incentives formed part of several welfare initiatives introduced by the Kebbi State Government for this year’s Hajj operations, noting that the administration had demonstrated strong commitment towards the wellbeing of the pilgrims from the commencement of the exercise.
Alhaji Ahmad Ja’afaru Jega further revealed that the state government secured decent accommodation for the pilgrims at locations very close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, thereby enabling them to conveniently participate in the five daily congregational prayers at the Holy Ka’abah Mosque.
“Because of the proximity of our hotels to the Grand Mosque, our pilgrims have been attending prayers at the Ka’abah regularly without stress. This is a great spiritual privilege for them,” he stated.
The Amirul Hajj observed that the welfare support introduced by the governor had significantly reduced the challenges usually encountered by pilgrims during Hajj operations.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as a rare demonstration of leadership, compassion and commitment to the welfare and safety of Kebbi pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Alhaji Ja’afaru Jega also praised the conduct of the state contingents, saying the pilgrims had exhibited high levels of discipline, patriotism and orderliness since their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
“Despite being one of the states with the largest contingents from Nigeria, Kebbi pilgrims have remained peaceful, disciplined and orderly in all places of worship and public gatherings. This is a good omen not only for Kebbi State but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The Amirul Hajj added that officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board and other support teams had continued to work tirelessly to ensure the comfort, safety and successful completion of Hajj rites by the pilgrims.
He urged the pilgrims to continue praying for lasting peace, unity and development in Kebbi State and Nigeria, while also encouraging them to obey Saudi regulations and maintain the good image of the country throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
Many of the pilgrims who spoke on the development expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government for the unprecedented support and welfare packages provided to them, describing the 2026 Hajj exercise as one of the most organised and pilgrim-friendly operations in recent times.
They offered prayers for Governor Nasir Idris, asking Allah to reward him abundantly for prioritising the welfare of the pilgrims and for demonstrating genuine concern for their spiritual and social wellbeing.