Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has claimed that his administration has been subsidising hajj exercise with one billion naira yearly.
He made the disclosure at the inauguration of 18-member board for Katsina State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.
According to him, the subsidy provided was meant to ensure the wellbeing of pilgrims while in the holy land.
Masari said, “pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia is neither a picnic nor a holiday but an act of worship, as enshrined in the holy Qur’an and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.”
He warned the pilgrims to persevere and reflect on the pioneer Muslims who had to perform the hajj exercise in a much more difficult circumstance.
The governor further emphasised that Islamic religion had stipulated that only those with good health and enough resources are recommended for hajj exercise.
He enjoined Islamic clerics to preach only on hajj exercise in the holy land and avoid sentiments, praying for the success of the newly inaugurated board.
The new chairman of the Board who is also Bunun Katsina, Salisu Shinkafi, in his acceptance speech assured that he and his team would not disappoint the governor and people of the state.
www.sojworld.com (c) August 4, 2017.
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