Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, has called on Nigerians, especially those from the North, to offer prayers and support for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration as the country grapples with economic difficulties. Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, emphasized that the North owes the President political backing in recognition of Tinubu's support for the eight-year tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The federal lawmaker stated that Tinubu's re-election would serve as compensation for the South-West region for its steadfast support of Buhari's government. Doguwa made these remarks while addressing journalists on the plains of Arafah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for peace, stability, and development in the country.
On Tuesday, thousands of Nigerian pilgrims joined millions of Muslims worldwide on the plains of Arafah for the spiritual climax of the 2026 Hajj exercise, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness. Arafah, considered the spiritual peak of Hajj, represents repentance and devotion, with pilgrims believing the ritual offers a chance for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Despite extreme temperatures, pilgrims dressed in white ihram garments gathered under tents and around the hill of Arafah, displaying unity and submission before Allah.
Delivering a sermon on Arafah Day, Islamic scholar Professor Mansur Sokoto urged public officials to learn from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad regarding accountability and responsible leadership. Sokoto cautioned against the misappropriation of public funds, stressing that leaders entrusted with public wealth will be held accountable for their stewardship before God. He lamented that many citizens continue to suffer poverty due to corruption and abuse of public trust. “We have the opportunity to be on the plain of history where Allah revealed to the Prophet that He has perfected Islam for Muslims, and so we have to thank God with every part of our body and in worship of the Almighty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the distribution of Haddaya (sacrificial rams) for 1,725 indigent pilgrims from the state currently participating in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Haddaya, the ritual slaughter of rams or other livestock, is a compulsory rite for pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran and commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim. The sacrifice, which will take place during the days of Tashreeq from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, also serves as a means of feeding needy pilgrims and residents of the holy cities.
In addition to the Haddaya, Zulum provided free ihram garments for male pilgrims and khimar head coverings for female pilgrims. He also paid hotel differentials to secure more comfortable accommodation for the Borno contingent in Makkah. The governor has consistently funded Haddaya for indigent pilgrims from the state over the years to ensure they complete their religious obligations. Zulum also urged the pilgrims to intensify prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.
