Bauchi subsidise pilgrims’ uniforms, accommodation

Bauchi State Government said on Saturday that it spent over N17 million as subsidy on the purchase of uniforms and others items for pilgrims performing the 2016 Hajj.

The State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Nuhu Gidado, announced this in Bauchi during a farewell ceremony organised for the pilgrims from the state.

Gidado, who is also the State Amirul Hajj, explained that the state government had to also subsidise accommodation, feeding and other facilities for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

He also announced that the state government donated 300 Saudi Riyal to each of the 2,520 pilgrims from the state.

He said that the state government was not able to sponsor pilgrims for the 2016 Hajj like in previous years due to the meagre resources accruing to the state.

Gidado warned the intending pilgrims against carrying intoxicants including kola nuts while on the pilgrimage.

He said the warning was sequel to a circular from the Saudi authorities, issued to Nigeria Hajj Commission (NAHCON), banning importation of certain foods during the Hajj.

The deputy governor, therefore, advised them to adhere strictly to the Saudi rules and regulations on prohibited items to avoid been sanctioned.

He called on the pilgrims to pray for the unity of the country and the state.

Earlier, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, Executive Secretary, State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, said that 2,520 pilgrims from the State are expected to perform the 2016 Hajj.

Hardawa said that the figure fall short of the 2,759 seats earlier allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abuja.

He explained that 239 intending pilgrims who had earlier paid the mandatory deposit of N850, 000 each later collected their deposits when the fare was officially announced.

The secretary further explained that the depositors asked for refund when they discovered that they could not make up the balance of over N200, 000 increase in the fare.

He said that the first batch of pilgrims would leave for the Holy Land on Sunday through the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi.