KANO, Nigeria — Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged intending pilgrims from the state to avoid all forms of misconduct during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
The governor gave the warning while addressing 560 intending pilgrims scheduled to be airlifted in the first batch for this year’s Hajj exercise. The event formed part of the official farewell ceremony organised for the pilgrims before departure to the Holy Land.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, Governor Yusuf stressed the importance of discipline, good conduct, and fear of God throughout the pilgrimage period.
He reminded the pilgrims that their behaviour in Saudi Arabia would reflect not only on Kano State but also on the country as a whole, urging them to avoid activities capable of bringing embarrassment or negative attention to the state.
“We believe our pilgrims are wonderful people and will not engage in any shameful act,” the governor stated during the address.
Governor Yusuf assured the intending pilgrims that the Kano State Government had put in place extensive welfare arrangements to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the pilgrimage exercise.
He disclosed that medical teams and healthcare facilities had already been arranged to provide treatment and emergency support for any pilgrim who may fall ill during the Hajj period in Saudi Arabia.
According to the governor, his administration had taken deliberate steps to ensure that Kano pilgrims receive improved support services, particularly in the area of healthcare and welfare management.
He referenced earlier engagements conducted by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, who had previously briefed the pilgrims on behalf of the administration regarding preparations and available support systems for the exercise.
“My Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo was with you and briefed you on my behalf, we have done a lot for you especially on healthcare,” Governor Yusuf said.
The governor also announced the appointment of the Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, as Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise. The Amirul Hajj traditionally serves as the official leader of the state delegation during the pilgrimage.
Governor Yusuf further named the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, as Deputy Amirul Hajj for the exercise.
The appointments place prominent traditional rulers at the centre of Kano’s Hajj coordination efforts, reflecting the continued role of traditional institutions in supervising religious and welfare activities involving pilgrims from the state.
Earlier during the farewell ceremony, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, commended the state government for its support toward ensuring a smooth and hitch-free Hajj operation.
He disclosed that the welfare board had already distributed essential hygiene materials to the first batch of 560 pilgrims, including soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, describing them as immediate necessities required upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the items were provided to ease the initial settlement process for pilgrims and improve basic welfare conditions during the early stages of the pilgrimage.
The farewell event was attended by senior government officials including Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and Hajj officials.
Officials at the gathering offered prayers for the safe journey of the pilgrims and for the successful completion of the Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage remains one of the largest religious gatherings globally, attracting millions of Muslims from different countries each year. Nigerian states routinely organise coordinated airlift and welfare arrangements through state pilgrims welfare boards in partnership with federal Hajj authorities.
Kano State traditionally records one of the highest numbers of intending pilgrims from Nigeria due to its large Muslim population and historical participation in the pilgrimage exercise.
Authorities are expected to continue subsequent airlift operations for additional batches of Kano pilgrims in the coming days as preparations for the 2026 Hajj intensify nationwide.
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