Zulum approves over N500 Million for pilgrims’ sacrificial animals and travel allowance to Saudi Arabia.
Borno state 2024 Amirul Hajj committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (in white) and Acting Executive Secretary Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Dawule Mainok during a media briefing in Macca.
By Dauda Iliya
The Borno State government has released the sum of 521.4 million naira to cover the cost of sacrificial animals also known as Hadya and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differential for pilgrims from the state.
Chairman 2024 Amirul Hajj committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan conveyed Borno State Governor’s approval during a media briefing shortly after the committee’s first meeting in Macca, Saudi Arabia.
Senator Lawan said the gesture is to ensure Borno pilgrims perform the 2024 Hajj with ease.
Breakdown of the allocation, according to the Amirul Hajj shows that 261 million naira was earmarked for the purchase of sacrificial animals, while 260.4 million naira was set aside as basic travel allowance differential for the pilgrims.
“The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum has approved the payment of Hadya, sacrificial animals to be purchased as religious obligations during Hajj, to all pilgrims from the state amounting to N261 million” Lawan said.
He remarked that Borno State government has maintained a consistent record of supporting its citizens embarking on religious pilgrimages, ensuring they are well-catered for throughout their spiritual journeys.
“In addition to this, the Governor also paid N260.4 million to pay the differential as a result of fall in the naira to balance up the BTA of pilgrims to round it up to five hundred dollars per person ” He added.
According to the Senator, the initial arrangement was each pilgrim will recieve 415 instead of 500 dollars, noting that the singular act of the Governor has relieved many pilgrims from financial challenge while in the holy land.
Senator Kaka Shehu announced that all pilgrims from the state are hale and hearty and ready to commence the Hajj rituals on Friday.
The Amirul Hajj maintained that the Committee has recorded tremendous successes in all sectors of the exercise, appreciating Governor Babagana Zulum for his support and cooperation by members of the Hajj team.
