•Governor Aliyu
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has donated 1,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about N450,000, to each of the 2,410 pilgrims from the state currently performing the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The donation was announced yesterday evening in Mina by the Sokoto State Amirul Hajj and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Muhammad Mai Gari Dingyadi, during an address to the pilgrims, reports Daily Trust.
Dingyadi described the gesture as a Sallah gift from the governor aimed at providing financial support to the pilgrims as they prepare for their return journey to Nigeria after the completion of the Hajj rites.
He commended the conduct of the Sokoto pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land, expressing satisfaction that none of them was found wanting in violating Saudi Arabian laws.
According to him, the exemplary behaviour displayed by the pilgrims has projected a positive image of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
“I am highly impressed with the discipline, patience and good conduct demonstrated by our pilgrims during this year’s Hajj exercise,” Dingyadi said.
He urged the pilgrims to sustain the spirit of obedience and responsibility, noting that they had served as worthy ambassadors of the state.
The Amirul Hajj also reassured the pilgrims of the continued commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to the welfare of the people of Sokoto State.
He called on the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for the success of the present administration and for lasting peace and security in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.
Dingyadi specifically appealed to the pilgrims to pray fervently for an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.


