The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring adequate welfare of intending pilgrims.

The Secretary to the State Government Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim made this known at a two-day workshop organised for local government Hajj officers, facilitators of Bita centers, religious organisations, and other Hajj stakeholders in the state.

Kashim assured that pilgrims will enjoy adequate attention from both the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments for successful Hajj operations this year.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office, Alhaji Shehu Yahya Jalam, the SSG hailed Governor Bala  Muhammad for his recent and quick response towards alleviating the pilgrims’ financial burden, following the increment of the Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

reports that the Muhammed administration had paid about N1m for each intending pilgrim from the state.

Thus, he called on the intending pilgrims to pray for the success of the governor, the peace, and unity of the country during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In his address, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Societal re-orientation, Alhaji Yakubu Hamza Darazo appreciated the participants for their readiness to be trained even as he acknowledged the contribution of the facilitators of the Bita centers over the years.

“Take advantage of the training, it would help you to justify the confidence reposed in you by the present administration in the state,” Hamza stated.’’

Meanwhile, Arewa PUNCH notes further that in their separate remarks the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims Affair, Shehu Wadaji, and the Chairman of the Board, Nuru Adamu Jumba acknowledged that Hajj 2024 has witnessed a lot of changes from Saudi Arabia and NAHCON.

They both expressed the optimism that the workshop would leave no stone unturned in making the participants conversant with the development.

They equally advised the participants to listen attentively to transmit the knowledge gained during the workshop for the benefit of pilgrims for a hitch-free Hajj exercise.