Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has appealed to the federal government to reduce the hajj fare considering the economic challenges faced by the citizens.
The governor made the appeal during an event organized by the state pilgrims welfare board to refund money sent by the Saudi Arabian Government due to the power outage during the 2023 hajj operations.
The governor in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, commended the effort of the Saudi Arabian Government for their gesture and concern for humanity, promising to send an appreciation letter through their consulate in the state.
While also appreciating the National Hajj Commission for its prudence and timely payment, Gov. Yusuf expressed delight over the effort of the state pilgrims welfare board for conducting a successful hajj operations which was recognised as the best in the country, urging them to maintain the good work in future operations.
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The governor disclosed that he visited Saudi Arabia some few weeks ago to perform the lesser hajj and to also commence preparations for the next hajj by himself in order to find out areas that the state government needs to intervene.
In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, who was the head of the 2024 Kano hajj delegates appreciated the support Gov. Yusuf provided to the pilgrims before, during and after the hajj.
Earlier, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Danbaffa said the total amount refunded to the state through the National Hajj Commission for disbursement to pilgrims that performed the 2023 hajj was N375 million.