Kebbi Governor Pays Hadaya for Almost 4,000 Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
By Lamara Garba
The Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Nasir Idris, has approved the full payment of Hadaya sacrifice for almost 4,000 pilgrims from the state currently participating in 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, describing the gesture as part of the governor’s extensive welfare package aimed at supporting Kebbi pilgrims in the Holy Land.
According to him, Governor Nasir Idris, popularly known as Kauran Gwandu, approved the payment to ease the financial burden on the pilgrims and enable them to perform their religious obligations with greater comfort and peace of mind.
He explained that the Hadaya payment formed part of several welfare initiatives introduced by the Kebbi State Government for the 2026 Hajj exercise, noting that the administration had shown exceptional commitment to the wellbeing of pilgrims since the commencement of the pilgrimage operations.
Alhaji Ja’afaru Jega further revealed that the state government secured comfortable accommodation for the pilgrims at strategic locations close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, allowing them easy access to the Holy Ka’abah for the five daily congregational prayers.
“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 noted that the governor’s intervention would significantly reduce some of the financial and logistical challenges often associated with Hajj operations, while boosting the morale of the pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as a remarkable demonstration of leadership, compassion and dedication to the welfare and safety of Kebbi pilgrims.
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 arriving in the Kingdom of 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 positive image not only for Kebbi State but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
He 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.
The Amirul Hajj urged the pilgrims to continue praying for lasting peace, unity and development in Kebbi State and Nigeria, while also encouraging them to comply with Saudi Arabian regulations and maintain the good image of the country throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke on the development expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government for what they described as unprecedented support and welfare packages, noting that the 2026 Hajj exercise had remained one of the most organised and pilgrim-friendly operations in recent years.
The pilgrims also offered prayers for Governor Nasir Idris, asking Allah to reward him abundantly for prioritising their welfare and demonstrating genuine concern for their spiritual and social wellbeing.