LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Lagos State Pilgrims observing the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia are praying for the state, even as they acknowledged the gestures of the governor and deputy governor.
This follows the announcement by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu fulfilled all his promises to them before he departed Lagos.
Layode, who is also the Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj, stated this while addressing the pilgrims on his arrival in Makkah. He told them that Governor Sawo-Olu’s promise to pay for their sacrificial rams, monetisation of their Ihram clothes as well as ziyyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah have been catered for.
The commissioner added that the governor also gave each pilgrim another 100 Saudi Riyals as pocket money for their stay in Muna and Arafah, in addition to the $100 shortfall in the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims in the third and fourth batches who are yet to collect theirs.
The Amiru-ul-Hajj appealed to the pilgrims to comply with the rules and regulations of the Saudi authorities.
He added: “The rules are very strict because the authorities do not want anybody with ordinary visiting visa around Muna and Arafah, except those with certified Hajj visa. Do not overstress yourself before the actual Hajj rituals starts in Muna, Arafah, Musdalifah and Jamarat (site for throwing of pebbles), as the state has enough drugs to be administered to all of you by the medical team if the need arises.
“I came with the money to fulfill all the pledges to the pilgrims on behalf of Mr. Governor. All you need do is to reciprocate the kind gestures with fervent prayers for Mr. Governor, his deputy and the state in general.”
Layode also encouraged them to cooperate fully with the government officials, saying this would make all the plans put in place by the government towards achieving a successful operation come to manifestation.
