By Abdukadir Aliyu Shehu Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has donated 200 Saudi Riyals to each of the 964 pilgrims from the state currently participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of his Eid-el-Kabir goodwill package.
The generous gesture was announced shortly after the pilgrims returned from Mina, having completed the major rites of Hajj, bringing excitement and relief to members of the Gombe contingent in the Holy Land.
The beneficiaries, who are performing the pilgrimage through the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, received the donation in Makkah ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
According to the pilgrims, the Governor’s intervention came at a crucial time when many required additional resources to cater for personal and welfare-related needs during the pilgrimage.
The donation is aimed at enhancing the welfare of the pilgrims and enabling them to complete their religious obligations with greater ease, comfort and peace of mind.
Beneficiaries noted that the financial support would help offset some of the expenses associated with the Hajj exercise and improve their overall experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Many of the pilgrims described the gesture as a reflection of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of Gombe citizens, both at home and abroad.
They expressed appreciation that despite being thousands of kilometres away from Nigeria, they remained in the thoughts and considerations of the Governor during one of the most important moments of their spiritual journey.
The pilgrims commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his consistent support for Hajj operations and his sustained commitment to prioritising the welfare of those undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.
Some beneficiaries observed that the donation demonstrates the Governor’s appreciation of the spiritual significance of Hajj and the sacrifices made by Muslims in fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam.
The gesture generated widespread appreciation among the pilgrims, many of whom offered special prayers for the Governor and members of his administration.
They prayed to Almighty Allah to bless Governor Inuwa Yahaya with good health, wisdom, protection and continued success in the service of Gombe State and its people.
The pilgrims also expressed gratitude to the Gombe State Government and the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the support, guidance and coordination provided throughout the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to them, the Governor’s Eid-el-Kabir gift symbolises compassion, responsible leadership and a government that remains attentive to the needs of its citizens wherever they may be.
As the 2026 Hajj exercise enters its final stages, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s goodwill donation has become a source of encouragement and relief for the 964 Gombe pilgrims, further reinforcing his reputation as a leader deeply committed to the welfare and well-being of his people.