By Adenike Lawal
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has demonstrated a compassionate gesture by providing ₦120 million in financial support to the state’s pilgrims currently performing the 2025 Hajj in Makkah.
The unexpected intervention came during an unannounced visit by the governor to the Kwara pilgrims’ lodges in the holy city.
The development was confirmed by the Amiru Hajj for Kwara and traditional ruler of Ajase Ipo, Alhaji Ismail Yahaya, who spoke with journalists in Makkah on Tuesday.
He said the governor’s surprise appearance reflected his deep concern for the wellbeing of every Kwara pilgrim.
“The governor didn’t inform anyone about his visit. We spoke late into the night before, and he gave no hint. Yet, by morning, he was right here with us, checking in personally on our welfare,” Yahaya recounted.
During the visit, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a donation of 264,280 Saudi riyals, equivalent to about ₦120 million, for the 2,204 Kwara pilgrims in Makkah. Each pilgrim received 120 riyals, translating to approximately ₦52,800.
This act of generosity is the latest in a series of interventions by the AbdulRazaq administration to ensure a smooth and fulfilling Hajj experience for Kwara pilgrims.
The Amiru Hajj praised the governor’s proactive leadership, noting that nearly every request made by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board was promptly approved in preparation for the pilgrimage.
He highlighted the foresight in constituting the pilgrims board early and making timely appointments, including his own designation as Amiru Hajj shortly after Ramadan.
These early decisions enabled a successful three-week statewide enlightenment programme for pilgrims, which was carried out with the cooperation of relevant agencies.
On the logistics side, the first batch of Kwara pilgrims, consisting of 558 individuals, was airlifted directly to Madinah.
The Hajj rites in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat were conducted smoothly, with the Amiru Hajj commending the efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the state pilgrims board.
The governor’s surprise donation has lifted the spirits of the pilgrims and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of its citizens abroad.
