Bauchi spends N214m as subsidy for 2017 Hajj pilgrims

FROM: PAUL ORUDE, BAUCHI

The Bauchi State Government is to spend the sum of over N262, 650, 000 as subsidy for the state’s Muslim Pilgrims to this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

Governor Mohammed Abubakar, disclosed this, on Wednesday, while delivering his farewell address to the 3, 090 2017 intending pilgrims at the Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall, Bauchi.

The governor, who urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity of being in the Holy Land to pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that in order to make the pilgrims comfortable while in the Holy Land, the State government decided to give a subsidy of 850 Saudi Riyal to each of the Pilgrims.

Said he,  “I assure you that, as usual, adequate arrangements have been made to provide a secure and palatable environment for you to deeply concentrate on your religious activities with a good proximity to the Kaaba.”

Governor Abubakar who urged the pilgrims to shun any acts that would tarnish the image of the country during the pilgrimage, informed them that transportation, feeding and health care facilities have all been arranged to ensure their maximum comfort while in the hajj.

He said: “Despite the economic hardship situation, this administration has continued to fund the operation of the State pilgrims welfare board both at the home and at the holy land, so as to guarantee your comfort and satisfaction.

“We have also subsidized the cost of your accommodation in Makka, upon which the government had to pay at least, the sum of 850 Saudi Riyal for each of you so that you will be accommodated in a beautiful edifice close to the Haram.”

He charged members of the Hajj committee to give special attention to the pilgrims welfare while in the Holy Land as most of them are first timers.

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