As the 2025 Hajj reaches its peak, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has visited Katsina pilgrims in Mina, Saudi Arabia— offering not just words of encouragement, but meaningful support and a strong reminder that leadership is about care, even across borders.
In the sweltering heat and among the sea of white garments, the Governor made time to sit with his people, ask about their experiences, and see things for himself.
“We didn’t come here just to check boxes,” he told them. “We came to listen, to walk the same path, and to make sure you know that you are not forgotten — not even for a moment.”
To ease some of the financial and spiritual pressures pilgrims often face, Governor Radda announced two key gestures of support:
A statement from I rahim Kaula Mohammad, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Dikko Radda said Katsina State Government has covered the full cost of the sacrificial animals (Hadiyya) for all 2,047 pilgrims from the state.
Each pilgrim will receive a special Sallah gift of 300 Saudi Riyals from the government.
“These aren’t just kind gestures,” the Governor explained. “They are our way of saying: We see you. We stand with you. We want your Hajj to be easier.”
Governor Radda commended the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, and the entire Katsina Hajj team for their dedication and professionalism in coordinating the pilgrimage. He also noted the improvements introduced by Saudi authorities this year — but didn’t shy away from voicing concern over lingering gaps.
“We walked from the Jamarat to Mina ourselves,” he said. “And we saw firsthand what our pilgrims go through. Many Nigerians — including our own — are still being sidelined in some key arrangements. That must change.”
The Governor used the moment to make a heartfelt appeal to pilgrims:
“Please, in your prayers, remember Katsina and the North West. Ask Allah to restore peace to our towns, villages, and forests. Because insecurity isn’t a faraway problem anymore — it’s knocking on our doors.”
He rounded off the visit with a prayer for the safe return of every pilgrim and expressed deep gratitude to those serving on Hajj duty, calling them “the quiet ambassadors of Katsina.”
Governor Radda was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including the Amirul Hajj Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe; the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; members of the State Assembly who are also on pilgrimage; the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Ishaq Shehu Dabai; and members of the Katsina State Pilgrimage Committee.
