Sokoto State Government said on Thursday that it provided N200 million to subsidise pilgrims accommodation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The Director-General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Sokoto. He disclosed that the government provided One Thousand Saudi Riyals, approximately N40,000, to subsidise the accommodation of each pilgrim.
He said that, the agency had rented befitting houses for the pilgrims near the Holy Mosque of Ka’aba.
This is very important as the proximity of the houses to the grand mosque will reduce travel hassles and offer the pilgrims more opportunity to intensify their acts of worship.
Umar stressed that the agency had made adequate arrangements to ensure the comfort, security and welfare of the pilgrims throughout the exercise. He commended the state government for its commitment towards the success of Hajj operation in the state.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal has graciously approved all our requests for funds, to enable the Amirul Hajj committee and other subcommittees to function effectively. I am therefore appealing to the officials to live above board, while the pilgrims should be law abiding at home and abroad. They should also pray fervently for sustainable peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
NAN reports that about 5000 people from the state are expected to perform the pilgrimage