The Executive Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, has today bid farewell to the first batch of intending pilgrims from the State departing for the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the Head of Information and Communications of the Board, Faruku Umar, the farewell ceremony, which took place at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, was attended by the State’s Amirul Hajj and Leader of the State Government Delegation Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Permanent Secretary of the Agency Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ government officials,management members of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir, the Governor congratulated the intending pilgrims for being among those chosen by Almighty Allah to perform the sacred pilgrimage this year.
In his farewell address, Governor Ahmad Aliyu urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Sokoto State and Nigeria by conducting themselves with discipline, patience and fear of Allah throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
He advised them to remain law-abiding, respect the rules and regulations guiding the Hajj exercise and devote themselves to prayers for peace, unity and prosperity of Sokoto State and the nation at large.
The Governor further assured the pilgrims of his administration’s continued support towards ensuring a successful and hitch-free Hajj operation, while commending the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the arrangements put in place for the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims.
He also prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection upon the pilgrims and wished them a safe journey as well as successful completion of their religious obligations.
Speaking earlier, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, congratulated the intending pilgrims on the opportunity granted to them by Allah to perform Hajj.
He urged them to maintain unity, patience and mutual understanding throughout the pilgrimage and to comply with all directives issued by officials and Saudi authorities for the success of the exercise.
The Amirul Hajj also called on the pilgrims to pray fervently for Sokoto State, Nigeria and its leaders, while wishing them safe journey and accepted Hajj.