Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has given each of the 3,200 pilgrims from the state 1,000 Saudi Riyals, roughly N450,000, as a Sallah gift. He announced this on Saturday during a visit to the Sokoto contingent in Minna, where he congratulated them on completing the Hajj successfully.
Governor Aliyu said the cash gift was meant to help the pilgrims financially as they prepare to return to Nigeria. He praised the pilgrims for their good conduct, noting that none broke any Saudi Arabian laws during their stay in the holy land.
“I want to thank you deeply for being excellent representatives of our state in this sacred place. I am very proud of you,” the governor said. He also commended their maturity and sense of responsibility during the Hajj rituals.
Aliyu assured the pilgrims of his administration’s ongoing commitment to their welfare and that of all Sokoto residents. He also praised the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, for his tireless efforts in making this year’s pilgrimage a success. The governor extended his gratitude to officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their dedication in organizing the trip.
He urged the pilgrims to pray more for Nigeria, especially for divine help to solve the country’s many problems, focusing on insecurity.
“No matter how much effort we put into tackling insecurity, prayer remains our strongest weapon to overcome the challenges that hold back our development,” Aliyu said.
During the visit, the governor also expressed condolences to pilgrims from Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas over the deaths of Hajiya Hadiza and Bala Jangebe, who passed away during the pilgrimage. He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and comfort for their families.
Earlier, State Amirul Hajj Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo thanked the governor for his support, saying it played a big role in the success of this year’s Hajj. He added that all committees involved worked hard to ensure the pilgrimage went smoothly.
