Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has made a generous personal gesture to pilgrims from the state performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. During a visit to their tents in Muna on Thursday night, he gave each pilgrim 300 Saudi Riyals, which is equivalent to approximately N114,000 based on the current exchange rate.
In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the governor commended the pilgrims and the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the success of this year's Hajj exercise. He also praised the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, led by Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, for ensuring a seamless operation.
Governor Apologizes for Minor Lapses
Governor Sani apologized for any minor shortcomings that may have occurred during the Hajj, emphasizing that they were not intentional. He stated, "As human beings, we can only plan, but only Allah (SWT) determines the final outcome." Sharing a personal experience, he explained that his late arrival was due to roadblocks that forced him to trek for four to five hours, as all roads leading to the pilgrims' area were blocked, despite the distance being only two to three kilometers from his tent.
Call for Peace and Development
The governor urged the pilgrims to pray for peace in Nigeria, stressing that development cannot occur without peace. He prayed to Allah to reform those who instigate trouble if they are redeemable, and to remove them if they persist in their harmful ways. He also emphasized that politics or the pursuit of public office is not worth the life of any citizen of Kaduna State.
Agency Chairman Expresses Gratitude
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, reiterated that Governor Sani has always supported the agency's requests to enhance the Hajj exercise and improve pilgrims' welfare. He thanked the governor for easing the burden of the pilgrimage.
Historic Visit Praised
In his vote of thanks, the Auditor General of Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, noted that no governor of Kaduna State had visited pilgrims in their tents since 1999, except Governor Sani. He called on the pilgrims to support and pray for the governor and for the continued peace and development of Kaduna State.
