By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced plans to provide special dietary care for pilgrims living with diabetes during the 2026 Hajj exercise, as part of measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of intending pilgrims from the state.
The Director General of the Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the pilgrims’ medical screening exercise at the Dutse General Hospital.
He said the initiative underscores the board’s commitment to ensuring a safe, healthy and hitch-free pilgrimage for all categories of pilgrims.
According to him, pilgrims diagnosed with diabetes will be placed on specially prepared meals that meet their medical needs throughout the Hajj period. He explained that proper nutrition is critical in managing the condition, especially during the physically demanding rites of pilgrimage.
Alhaji Labbo stressed that the welfare of Jigawa pilgrims remains the board’s top priority, noting that special arrangements have also been concluded to provide three square meals daily for pilgrims a practice he described as unique to Jigawa State among Hajj operations in the country.
He assured that the board would continue to work closely with medical personnel to monitor the health status of pilgrims before and during the Hajj, adding that no effort would be spared in maintaining high welfare standards.
The Director General expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, for approving and consistently supporting welfare-focused initiatives aimed at improving the comfort and safety of pilgrims from the state.
He added that the board’s proactive approach reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive care, particularly for pilgrims with special health needs, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
