…As Gov. Yusuf Cautions Against misconduct in Holy Land

The first set of Kano state Pilgrims’ have arrived Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia early hours of Saturday, for the 2026 pilgrimage.

The 588 passengers drawn from four local government areas of the state departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on board NGL 3025 Max Air exactly 00.48hrs.

The Inaugural flight that was rescheduled signal the commencement of the airlift of 3,620 contingents from Kano, less than 11 days to the beginning of Hajj rituals in the holy city of Makkah.

Prior to the departure Friday night, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims urged them to remain worthy ambassador of Kano and Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.

Gov. Yusuf especially cautioned the intending pilgrims not to engage in any form of unruly behavior capable of denting their image and that of the country.

“We believe our pilgrims are wonderful people and will not engage in any shameful act”, the Governor stated.

He emphasized that government has provided adequate welfare packages including accomodations, feeding and medical care to ensure pilgrims remain in good health conditions while engaging in the spiritual exercise.

According to him, ” Our government has done all what suppose to be done for the pilgrims. My Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo was with you and briefed you on my behalf, we have done a lot to you especially on healthcare.”

The Governor reveled that his administration has appointed the Emir of Gaya, Dr Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, the well respected traditional ruler to be the Amirul Hajj for this year 2026 and the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz to be his Deputy.

Earlier on, the Director General of the Kano state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle commended the government for all the supports to have Hajj exercises without a hitch.

He informed the Governor that they had supplied all the 560 pilgrims for the first flight with soap, toothpaste and brush, because it is the first item they will look after when they arrived at Saudi Arabia.