In a significant show of generosity and commitment to the welfare of Sokoto State citizens, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has announced a Sallah gift of 1,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately N450,000) to each of the 3,200 pilgrims from the state who performed this year’s Hajj to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Governor Aliyu made the announcement during a visit to the Sokoto State contingent in Makkah on Saturday, where he congratulated them on the successful completion of the pilgrimage rites.
Addressing the pilgrims, the governor expressed satisfaction with their conduct throughout the exercise, commending them for representing Sokoto State with dignity and respect in the holy land.
‘I want to thank you most profoundly for being good ambassadors of our dear state in this holy land. I am indeed very proud of you’, Aliyu said.
‘I equally appreciate your maturity and high sense of responsibility while undertaking the Hajj rituals’.
He said the financial support was aimed at easing the pilgrims’ preparations for their return journey while also reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens both at home and abroad.
The governor, who also praised the leadership of the state Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, and the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their outstanding efforts in organising a smooth and successful pilgrimage, appealed to the pilgrims to remember Nigeria in their prayers, particularly for an end to insecurity and other challenges facing the nation.
‘No matter the effort we are putting into addressing insecurity, prayers remain the best weapon to end the insecurity that has been crippling our development’, he noted philosophically.
Arewa PUNCH reports that in a moment of solemnity that accentuated his speech, the governor offered condolences to pilgrims from Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas over the demise of two pilgrims, Hajiya Hadiza and Bala Jangebe, during the Hajj.
He prayed for divine mercy for their departed souls and prayed comfort for their grieving families.
Earlier, the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, thanked the governor for the unwavering support given to the state’s pilgrims, while highlighting the diligent work of the various committees that contributed to the success of the Hajj operations.
Arewa PUNCH reports that with his generous donation and steady leadership, Aliyu continues to reinforce his administration’s dedication to the spiritual and social welfare of Sokoto citizens, both at home and abroad.
