Uba Sani urges pilgrims to pray for Nigeria as Kaduna launches Hajj exercise

Governor Uba Sani has taken extensive measures to ensure that pilgrims from Kaduna State experience a smooth and comfortable Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Malam Salihu S Abubakar, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, said the governor has never declined any request from the agency.

Speaking at the flag‑off ceremony for the Hajj exercise at the Mando Hajj camp on Wednesday, Malam Salihu noted that Kaduna State has secured accommodation in Makka that is close to Masjid Al‑Haram, the Grand Mosque.

He added that the intended pilgrims will be transported from the Hajj Camp to Kaduna International Airport at 2 a.m. in CNG buses donated by Governor Uba Sani.

The Executive Chairman thanked the governor for supporting the agency’s infrastructure development, modern structures, and the upgrade of facilities that have transformed the Mando Hajj Camp.

Governor Uba Sani was represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who congratulated the pilgrims and expressed gratitude to Allah for allowing them to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam.

While praying for a safe journey to Saudi Arabia and a safe return, Dr. Balarabe urged the pilgrims to also pray for sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.

She said the state government has taken comprehensive steps to safeguard the pilgrims, from their stay at the Mando Hajj Transit Camp to the Holy Land and back.

Dr. Balarabe highlighted that the governor’s administration has remodeled and upgraded the Hajj Camp with modern facilities to facilitate a seamless operation.

She listed a state‑of‑the‑art ICT Centre, an ultra‑modern hall, and offices as part of the camp’s refurbishment.

At the event, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, advised the pilgrims to obey Saudi laws and refrain from bringing contraband into the Holy Land.

According to the Emir, bringing items such as kola nuts and other condiments to Saudi Arabia is unnecessary, even from a health perspective.

He also warned against accepting luggage from anyone, regardless of relationship, at either the Kaduna airport or any Saudi airport, citing that such bags are often loaded with drugs.

Ambassador Bamalli noted that drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia can attract the death penalty.