By Ali Rabiu Ali, Makkah
Pilgrims from Jigawa State participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise have safely arrived in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and have performed the Umrah exercise in good health and high spirits.
The intending pilgrims, who arrived in batches from Nigeria, were received by officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board and immediately conveyed to their accommodation located close to the Holy Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) in Madina and a bit close to Haram in Makkah.
As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Hajj operation, the Jigawa State Government, through the Pilgrims Welfare Board, has provided comfortable accommodation and welfare packages for all pilgrims from the state.
The board also assured the pilgrims of uninterrupted feeding throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stating that three square meals would be provided daily until their return to Nigeria after the completion of the Hajj rites.
Speaking on the arrangements, the General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Dutse, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, who is among the pilgrims, commended the Jigawa State Government for what he described as excellent welfare services and proper coordination of the Hajj exercise.
He said the government’s commitment towards the comfort and wellbeing of the pilgrims was highly commendable, adding that all the pilgrims from the state were in good condition and satisfied with the arrangements put in place.
According to him, the proximity of the accommodation to the Haram has greatly eased movement for the pilgrims, especially the elderly, enabling them to conveniently observe prayers and other religious activities.
Also speaking, one of the pilgrims, Nura Usaini Garba, expressed happiness and appreciation to the state government for the support and care being provided to them in Saudi Arabia.
He said the conducive accommodation, feeding arrangements and the attention given by officials of the welfare board have boosted the morale of the pilgrims and allowed them to focus fully on their spiritual obligations.
Nura further prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection for the Jigawa State Government and all those involved in organising the pilgrimage, while urging fellow pilgrims to continue praying for peace, unity and development in Nigeria and Jigawa State.
Officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all pilgrims from the state perform the 2026 Hajj exercise successfully and return home safely.
