Saudi Arabia returns N24m to Kogi Pilgrims Board

The Kogi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Wednesday said the Saudi Arabian government had returned N24 million to it for services not rendered during the 2015 hajj.

Sadiq Muhammed Rabiu, chairman of the board, made this known during a courtesy call on Shuaibu Okolp, the traditional ruler of Ayangba.

He said the money would be shared among the 2015 pilgrims from the state, adding that by the board’s calculation, each of the participants would receive N27,000.

According to him, the gesture from the Saudi government is a reflection of their entrenched culture of accountability and fairness .

On preparations for the 2016 hajj, Rabiu said the board had secured accommodation near Kabba, to facilitate the performance of the basic rites while in holy land.

He said the board would soon embark on sensitisation and enlightenment of intending pilgrims, to acquaint them with the rules and regulations newly introduced by the Saudi government .

“We will provide them with CDs which they will watch and get themselves acquainted with the regulations of the holy land,” he said.

“Also, in our effort to ensure smooth dissemination of information, we have resolved to open zonal offices in the three senatorial districts.”

Rabiu said hajj operation had its peculiar challenges, but noted that with the moral support and co-operation of royal fathers, the challenges were surmountable..

Responding, the traditional ruler advised the chairman to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and transparency to enable him to succeed.