11th May, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has splashed N1.1 billion as gift on 4,000 pilgrims from the state going for this year’s hajj.
Each pilgrim will pocket 720 Saudi riyals, which is equivalent to N273,547.39. That means the governor is giving 2,880,000 Saudi riyals to the 4,000 pilgrims.
When converted to naira, the governor is splashing N1,094,189,555.52 as gifts for 4,000 pilgrims.
The governor said the money is to enable the pilgrims perform the Holy pilgrimage with comfort.
A Statement by his Chef Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed indicated that Governor Radda, “has promised a hadiya package of seven hundred and twenty Saudi riyals for each of the state’s intending pilgrims.
“Similarly, the State Government also promised to provide its usual Sallah gift to pilgrims from the state while in the Holy Land.”
Radda disclosed this while inaugurating an 11-member state delegation for this year’s Hajj at the Katsina Government House.
The delegation is chaired by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi.
Radda directed both the Hajj delegation and the management of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to ensure that not a single kobo is deducted from the pilgrims’ basic traveling allowances for any reason.
He expressed gratitude that, despite the challenges caused by the increase in Hajj fare, the intending pilgrims in the state were able to make the full payment.
Radda noted that it is his responsibility to oversee the general conduct of the 2024 Hajj operations from its beginning to end.
This, he said, is in addition to complementing the management of the pilgrims’ welfare board in ensuring a smooth and successful hajj exercise.
Radda maintained that the delegation is expected to produce a comprehensive report on the general conduct, including any shortcomings or successes, with a view to making corrections for future Hajj exercises.
While accepting the offer, the Chairman of the delegation for 2024 Hajj in Katsina, Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, expressed gratitude to Radda for finding them fit to serve the state pilgrims.
Alhaji Tukur Jikamshi promised to work hand-in-hand with the officials of the pilgrims’ board to ensure that state pilgrims received the best possible experience.