From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
In a major financial boost for the holiday, the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, has approved a massive Sallah welfare package totaling SR 2,410,000 (Saudi Riyals) for the state’s contingent currently in Saudi Arabia.
Under the cash reward system, each of the 2,410 Sokoto State pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj will receive a direct pocket allowance of SR 1,000 to ease their stay during the festive period.
The development was disclosed on Thursday in a statement signed by Faruku Umar, Head of Information and Communications for the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
The Amirul Hajj and Leader of the Sokoto State 2026 Hajj Delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, broken the news to ecstatic pilgrims while delivering his official Sallah message at the state’s tents in Minna.
Dingyadi, who also serves as the federal Minister of Labour and Employment, noted that the financial gesture is a testament to Governor Aliyu’s uncompromising stance on pilgrim comfort.
“Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto places high priority on the welfare and comfort of pilgrims.
“This gesture is part of the Governor’s continued commitment to supporting Sokoto pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise,” he stated.
In return for the financial windfall, the Amirul Hajj urged the beneficiaries to use the sacred atmosphere of the pilgrimage to pray for sustained peace, stability, unity, and economic progress in both Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, confirmed that all 2,410 pilgrims registered by the state successfully completed their core Hajj rites without major hitches.
Alhaji Musa expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for keeping the agency well-funded, while also praising the Dingyadi-led delegation, board members, and field staff for executing a seamless logistical operation in Saudi Arabia.
