The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sheikh Hadi Balarabe, disclosed this on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, during a press briefing held at the Munazzamatu office along Batsari Road, Katsina metropolis.

According to Sheikh Balarabe, the Maulud, which commemorates the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim, is an annual religious gathering rotated among states of the federation. He noted that the 2026 edition marks the 40th anniversary of the event, which has been held consecutively over the past four decades.

He explained that Katsina State has been privileged to host the Maulud three times—first in 2002, again in 2016, and now in January 2026.

Providing details of the programme, the LOC chairman said activities will formally commence on 11 January 2026 with an international seminar scheduled to last five days. The seminar is expected to attract Islamic scholars from across Nigeria, as well as participants from West, North and parts of Southern Africa.

“The entire programme is a week-long event and will culminate in a grand national Maulud rally on Saturday, 17 January 2026,” Sheikh Balarabe said.

He added that the grand rally will take place at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, starting from 8:00 a.m. and is expected to end between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Sheikh Balarabe further disclosed that the Local Organising Committee has constituted no fewer than ten sub-committees to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. These sub-committees are responsible for critical areas including accommodation and welfare of guests, health services, security, crowd control, and general logistics for the grand rally.

He assured residents and visitors that adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful, well-organised and successful Maulud celebration in Katsina State.