Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has extended a significant Sallah gift to the 3,200 pilgrims from the state currently performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Each pilgrim received 1,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to approximately N450,000, as financial support from the state government. The governor announced this generous gesture on Saturday during a visit to the Sokoto contingent in Mina, as they were congratulated on the successful completion of the Hajj exercise.

Governor Aliyu explained that the financial assistance was aimed at supporting the pilgrims as they prepare for their return journey to Nigeria and to appreciate their exemplary conduct in Saudi Arabia. He expressed immense pride in the pilgrims, noting that none were found violating Saudi Arabian laws during their stay. "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," the governor stated. He also highlighted their maturity and high sense of responsibility while undertaking the Hajj rituals.

Reaffirming his administration's dedication, Governor Aliyu assured the pilgrims of continued commitment to their welfare and that of all residents of Sokoto State. He highly commended the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, and the officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their tireless efforts and dedication in organizing a well-coordinated and successful Hajj operation this year. Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, in turn, thanked the governor for his support, which he said significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj operations, noting that all committees worked diligently.

During his visit, Governor Aliyu urged the pilgrims to intensify their prayers for Nigeria, particularly seeking divine intervention to address the country’s numerous challenges, with a strong emphasis on insecurity and economic development. "No matter the effort we are putting into addressing insecurity, prayer remains the best weapon to end the insecurity that has been crippling our development," he added. The governor’s gesture is widely seen as a demonstration of goodwill and a reaffirmation of his administration's focus on religious and social welfare, providing timely relief and a morale booster for many pilgrims.

The governor also took the opportunity to condole with pilgrims from Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas over the unfortunate demise of two pilgrims, Hajiya Hadiza and Bala Jangebe, who passed away during the pilgrimage. He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the departed souls and comfort for their grieving families.

The Hajj pilgrimage this year has presented challenges, with Nigerian pilgrims, like others, preparing for scorching weather conditions. Temperatures were expected to soar as high as 47°C, prompting many to equip themselves with umbrellas, water bottles, and cooling flasks, especially for the crucial Day of Arafat. The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology had predicted severe heat waves coupled with fluctuating humidity levels, posing health risks to the pilgrims. In a separate report concerning past Hajj incidents, it was noted that Saudi authorities had investigated the death of a Kwara State pilgrim who reportedly committed suic*de in Madina, and another pilgrim from the same state had also passed away during a previous Hajj.