Kano state government has announced the sum of N265 million to 3,620 conventional pilgrims embarking on 2026 Hajj exercise from Kano as complimentary gift to support their basic needs in Saudi Arabia.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who disclosed the state gesture during an annual Hajj Practical Demonstration Exercise on Sunday, however cautioned the intending pilgrims to be mindful of rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia authorities while in holy land.

Governor Yusuf, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, disclosed that government is given 200 Saudi Riyal to each pilgrim registered under the state pilgrims’ board to ease their spiritual exercise.

Garo, reminded the intending pilgrims from Kano to prepare their minds and souls ahead of the spiritual journey, which he said required utmost dedication, patience and discipline to carry out the rituals in Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Governor explained the practical demonstration occasion serve as step by step action and reality of Hajj activities to guide pilgrims’ while on pilgrimage. He admonish the state contingents to adhere strictly with the teachings and orientation for rewarding exercise.

He appealed to intending pilgrims to make time to worship, seek forgiveness and devote ample time to pray for peace and tranquility of Nigeria, and Kano state in particular while seeking success of Governor Yusuf’s administration.

According to him, “Your journey to Saudi Arabia is not a mere journey. It is a step-by-step exercise that requires adequate knowledge, discipline, patience and sincere devotion to Allah. This exercise is necessary to understanding of the right principles of Islam in accordance with Islamic teachings.

“I call on all Muslims to pay close attention to the guidance provided by our scholars, doctors and officials. The practical lessons learned so far are meant to ensure that all Muslims perform the Hajj rightfully, reasonably and successfully. Let me pass on that, that everyone of you who has been chosen by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala to perform this spiritual duty.

“Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is done in the most physical and spiritual readiness. The fact that you are here today, undergoing practical training and preparing yourself for this moment shows your commitment to fulfil your obligation in the best manner possible.

“It is our prayer that through this training, you will perform your Hajj rite correctly, safely and with full consciousness of its spiritual significance. Dear pilgrims, let me also use this opportunity to commend the leadership and staff of our state pilgrims all for our good for their tireless effort in ensuring that this year’s Hajj operations are well coordinated, from collection of prayers, to medical screening, to the artistic arrangement, and now this practical orientation”. Garo added.

Earlier, Director General, Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alh. Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle said all arrangements proceeding inaugural flight schedule for 14th May 2026 have been perfected.

Matawalle hinted that Kano secured visa for the entire registered pilgrims and officials, and had since concluded all exercises including medical inoculation and issuance of clothes and bags ahead of departure.

He cautioned pilgrims’ against contraband items in their luggages, strictly adhere to flight schedules and asserted that official Basic Travel Allowance BTA is ready for pilgrims’ disbursement.

Zonal Coordinator National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Charge of Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States Umar Muhammad also reminded the intending pilgrims to avoid any act that could bring Kano and Nigeria to disrepute in the holy land.

The NAHCON head charged the intending pilgrims to be mindful of exchange rate in Saudi Arabia and vigilant of dubious character that are out to dupe pilgrims of their BTAs’

Highlight of the occasion include practical demonstration of key spiritual exercise pilgrims would undergo in Makkah, Muna, Arafah, Musdalifah, and Jamurah.