Governor Babagana Umara Zulum , of Borno State has approved the sum of N521.4 million in cash assistance for Borno pilgrims currently in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2024 Hajj.
The announcement was made by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Chairman of Borno’s 2024 Amirul Hajj Committee and Senator representing Borno Central, during a briefing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Senator Kaka Shehu detailed that the funds are allocated to cover the costs of obligatory animal sacrifices (Hadaya) and to address the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differential.
Specifically, N261 million, according to him, is designated for the purchase of sacrificial animals, while N260.4 million is set aside to adjust the BTA for each pilgrim.
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“The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has approved N261 million for the payment of Hadaya, ensuring that all pilgrims from the state fulfill their religious obligations during Hajj,” stated Senator Shehu.
He added that the governor also allocated N260.4 million to cover the differential needed due to the depreciation of the naira, thereby rounding up each pilgrim’s BTA to $500.
Senator Shehu highlighted the state government’s consistent support for its citizens on religious pilgrimages and assured that all Borno pilgrims are in good health and ready to commence the Hajj rituals on Friday.