By Abdullahi Shugaba in Katsina.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the State’s 2026 Hajj Committee as part of early preparations for a smooth and successful pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was contained in a statement obtained by the Citizenship Daily signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed on Monday in Katsina.
According to the statement, the governor described the assignment as both a religious and administrative responsibility, noting that the committee would coordinate all Hajj activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“We recorded a successful Hajj last year, i urge you to study the reports of you predecessors to improve on it to still ensure a successful Hajj Operations for the 2026” he said.
The governor said the committee reflects broad representation, with members drawn from government, the legislature, local governments and other stakeholders.
According to him, the 11-member committee is chaired by Alhaji Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq, with other members including Ali Isah, Amadu Ahmed Diddiri, Alhaji Sani Ahmed, Hajaratu Hajjo Lawal, Murja Ibrahim Duwan, Mairo Ibrahim, Abduljalal Haruna Runka, Ahmed Tijjani Abdulkadir and Yusuf Ibrahim Safana. Abubakar Yusuf will serve as secretary.
He said the committee is expected to oversee all arrangements for the Hajj to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and provide welfare, logistics and support services.
Governor Radda charged the members to show commitment, teamwork and accountability, stressing that the success of the exercise depends on their performance.
“This is an important national and religious duty, I urged you to remain dedicated, committed and focused on the onerous task given to you from the beginning to the end of the exercise,” he added.
The governor also emphasised that the Hajj operation must be handled with discipline, integrity and high sense of responsibility.
In his response on behalf of members of committee, the Chairman of the committee/Amirul Hajj, Ahmed Usman El-Marzuq, thanked the governor for finding them worthy for the appointment, describing the gesture as a great honour.
El-marzuq assured that the committee would carry out its duties with dedication and fear of God.
“We will do our best to ensure a successful Hajj, we will not abuse the confidence reposed us on the task given to us to deliver,” he said.
He pledged that members of the committee are willing and ready to serve to ensure successful hajj operations.
He solicited for divine guidance for the governor and prayed for peace, unity and progress of Katsina State and the nation in general.
The inauguration drew top government officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; and the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, the Chief of Staff,Hon Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor,Hon Abdullahi Turaji among others.
