From Garba Ibn Lawal
The Kebbi State Government has greenlit a substantial N1 million subsidy for each of its 3,344 intending pilgrims set to embark on this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
This announcement came from the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi. The decision was reached following the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria's increase of 2024 Hajj fares by N1.9 million.
Consequently, each intending pilgrim, including those who had already paid their fares, will receive the subsidy immediately.
Furthermore, Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, had previously sanctioned funds for the enhancement of facilities at the Sir Yahaya International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, as part of the prerequisites for airlifting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2024. In addressing recent incidents of vandalism and looting of grains in Birnin Kebbi, the State government has expressed strong condemnation, deeming such acts inconsistent with the state's values. A 13-man investigative committee, led by the Commissioner of Agriculture, has been established to probe the incident and propose preventive measures.
Clarifying the situation, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Muazu, emphasized that the looted palliatives belonged to the Dangote Foundation, not the State Government, with the State's own supplies having been distributed across the region.
Muazu lamented the incident as regrettable and attributed it to the absence of security agencies during the distribution of Dangote's palliatives. He commended Dangote's philanthropic efforts, highlighting the intention to complement the State Government's relief initiatives.
Signed,
YAHAYA SARKI, Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity
1/4/2024
