HAJJ: Kano Gov adds N121,000 BTA each for 3,100 state pilgrims
*Appoints Deputy Governor 2024 Amir Hajj
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Governor of Kano State, North West Nigeria, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has again released a total sum of N376 million to supplement the shortfall in Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for state intending pilgrims.
The DEFENDER reports that Governor Yusuf has also announced the appointment of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, as head of government delegation and Amir Hajj for 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah and Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Popularly called the ‘people’s governor’, Alhaji Yusuf’s intervention was done because of his concerned for the good welfare of his state people, who will be away in the Holy Land for the fact of requirement to complete the fifth pillar of their religion, which requires such spirituous journey to fulfill.
Details of this kind gesture by the performer was contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mallam Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, dated May 22, 2024 copy of which was sent The DEFENDER on Monday.
According to the statement, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had announced a BTA of $500 per pilgrim, based on official exchange rate of N1,250 to a dollar.
However, the volatility of the foreign exchange rate further weakened the Nigerian currency thereby pushing the exchange rate to over N1,500 to a dollar.
Governor Yusuf, who spoke during the annual Hajj demonstration exercise on Monday, highlighted that the initial BTA rate would have left each pilgrim short by N121,000.
He said to rectify the inconsistency, the state government approved a supplementary funds to argument the 3,100 state pilgrims with N121,000 each totaling N376,310,000.
He said the additional support was to enable the pilgrims’ with comfort and smooth performance of the Hajj rites.
He assured that the Deputy Governor would oversee the welfare of the pilgrims comprehensively, including provisions for food, lodging, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities.
Recall that Governor Yusuf had released N500 million in April, to subsidize the sudden notice of hajj fare increase of N1.9 million by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Acknowledging the vital role of security agencies and NAHCON in Kano’s Hajj operations, Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude for their assistance.
