Nigeria, June 9 -- Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has donated 1,000 Saudi Riyals (N450,000) to each of the 3,200 pilgrims from the state performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The gift amounts to N1.4 billion at the current Riyal to Naira exchange rate.

Mr Aliyu said the donation was to ease the pilgrims' preparations for returning to Nigeria.

"This is a token of support and appreciation for your discipline, dedication, and the peaceful image you've projected of Sokoto state.

He praised the pilgrims for behaving well throughout the pilgrimage, emphasising that none breached Saudi laws, attributing the feat to the pilgrims' discipline and the effective oversight by Hajj officials.

He commended the state's Amirul Hajj, Umma...