The Lagos State Government kept its pledge to pay its 1,562 pilgrims who are now completing the Year 2022 holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in US dollars.
When the seminar was held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on June 12, 2022, the Amir-ul-hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, revealed to pilgrims in Mecca that each pilgrim would receive $800 in fulfilment of the promise earlier made during the seminar.
The total BTA payment that will be paid to the 1,562 pilgrims is $1,249,600, Prince Elegushi stated.
The Commissioner emphasised that the delay was brought on by the strict restrictions related to the distribution of money to the recipients, debunking the baseless rumour that the State Government intended to deprive them of their money.
However, he thanked Allah that the difficulties had been overcome and that the travel allowance had been made available to be given to the pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Elegushi thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their unwavering support and assistance at the crucial time, and he urged the pilgrims to manage their finances carefully.
Elegushi asked the muslim faithful to seek God’s face for the success of the current administration in the State while urging the pilgrims to pray for peace and tranquilly in Nigeria, particularly against insecurity, abduction, banditry, insurgency, and other vices plaguing the nation.
The Board Chairman, Engr. Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, both attended the meeting.
AbdulWaheed Lolade Shonibare (Ikeja Division), Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu Division), and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Epe Division) are also board members in attendance.