Katsina State Finalises Comprehensive Plans for 2025 Hajj – Says Amirul Hajj Faruq Lawal Jobe
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar and Ummi Taibat Yakubu – Katsina Times

The Katsina State Government has concluded all necessary preparations to ensure the well-being and comfort of its pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise, according to the Amirul Hajj and Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Katsina Times on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, at his office located in the historic Sa’idu Barda House, Jobe emphasized that Hajj is a religious obligation and a yearly responsibility for the state government. He said meticulous planning was done in collaboration with the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to enhance the pilgrims’ experience.

On healthcare arrangements, Jobe disclosed that the state government had deployed seven medical doctors along with other health personnel to Saudi Arabia to attend to the pilgrims, especially in handling emergencies and preventing the outbreak of diseases. He noted that the number of medical staff exceeds the usual standard as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the health and safety of its pilgrims.

To support the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage, Jobe said male and female Islamic scholars were selected from every two local governments to guide the pilgrims. A state committee of scholars was also formed to conduct sermons and sensitisation on the dos and don’ts of Hajj to ensure pilgrims perform an acceptable pilgrimage.

Regarding logistics, Jobe stated that staff had been assigned to assist pilgrims with the transportation of their luggage from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, easing the burden on the pilgrims.

He further disclosed that the Amirul Hajj delegation includes 14 members comprising traditional rulers’ representatives, lawmakers, Islamic scholars, and other professionals. A total of 174 officials sponsored by the state and local governments will accompany the pilgrims to support them throughout the pilgrimage.

Jobe added that he had addressed the pilgrims before departure, advising them to focus on worship and safeguard their funds. He warned against currency fraud and urged pilgrims to only exchange money at government-approved centres to avoid exploitation, stressing that the funds in use are foreign and must be handled cautiously.

The Deputy Governor revealed that the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda had provided 600 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim to support the purchase of sacrificial animals. He said the move had significantly reduced the financial burden on the over 2,000 pilgrims from the state.

He also assured that decent accommodations had been arranged for the pilgrims, and every departing flight would carry government officials to ensure the rights and needs of the pilgrims are protected. He affirmed that no pilgrim would be allowed to travel to the holy land without proper guidance and supervision.

In conclusion, the Amirul Hajj urged all pilgrims to pray for an accepted pilgrimage and lasting peace in Katsina State and Nigeria at large. He stressed that all plans were carefully crafted, and successful implementation remained the key.