Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has allocated a substantial sum of N1.1 billion as gifts to 4,000 pilgrims from the state embarking on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Each pilgrim is set to receive 720 Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately N273,547.39, totaling 2,880,000 Saudi riyals for the 4,000 pilgrims.
Converted to naira, this amounts to a generous N1,094,189,555.52 provided by the governor to facilitate the pilgrimage experience.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda reiterated his commitment to ensuring the comfort and ease of the pilgrims during their sacred journey.
The statement read, “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.”
Governor Radda made this announcement while inaugurating an 11-member state delegation for this year’s Hajj at the Katsina Government House. The delegation, chaired by former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, has been tasked with overseeing the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Governor Radda emphasized the importance of ensuring that no deductions are made from the pilgrims’ basic traveling allowances, directing both the Hajj delegation and the management of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to uphold this principle.
Despite the challenges posed by the increase in Hajj fare, Governor Radda expressed gratitude that the intending pilgrims from the state were able to make full payments. He underscored his commitment to overseeing the general conduct of the 2024 Hajj operations and ensuring a successful pilgrimage experience.
In response, Chairman of the delegation for the 2024 Hajj in Katsina, Alhaji Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for the opportunity to serve the state pilgrims. He pledged to work closely with officials of the pilgrims’ board to ensure the best possible experience for all pilgrims.
