Katsina State Government says it is spends N1bn annually to subsidise Hajj
annually.
Gov. Ibrahim Shema stated this on Monday in Katsina at the opening of a
one-day workshop for Islamic preachers who will conduct this year’s
Ramadan Tafsir (Reading, translation and commentary from the Holy Qur’an
during the Ramadan fast).
Shema said the subsidy covered accommodation for the pilgrims in Makkah
and Madina, and sponsorship of Hajj guides and preachers.
He said other services included feeding of the pilgrims in Minna and
Arafat as well as the subsidy on pilgrims’ fares, adding that the subsidy
also covered the provision of 300 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim during the
Hajj.
Shema also said the state government had constructed over 500 Mosques
across the state and rehabilitated others, since its inception.
The governor urged Islamic scholars to continue to preach the importance
of peace during the Ramadan fasting and beyond, saying no development
could be achieved without peace.