From Godwin Agia, in Jalingo
The Taraba state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has bided farewell to 1,008 intending pilgrims from the state for this year’s Hajj exercise, and warned them against taking contraband items that might bring the state and country to disrepute.
He spoke through his Special Adviser on Islamic Religious Matters, Mallam Hussaini Isma’il, during a farewell reception for the intending pilgrims.
He also encouraged them to include the nation in their supplications and pray fervently for Nigeria to overcome its numerous challenges.
According to him, “The Taraba State Government has placed great importance on religion, which is why it sponsored One Hundred and Seventeen (117) people to perform this year’s Hajj despite the lean financial resources being experienced by the Government.
“For this reason, I implore you to be good ambassadors of the state and indeed the nation at large while in the Holy Land.
“You should pray fervently for our great nation and its leaders for peace and tranquility to reign in the land”, he said.
The Chairman of Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Umar Gambo, in his address, said that the pilgrims were issued uniforms for easy identification and all traveling documents to avoid any hiccups at the point of entry.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ahmed Chiroma, also outlined that each pilgrim is expected to get $400 as basic traveling allowance, for which they (pilgrims) had paid an equivalent of N626,000 at an exchange rate of N1,482.375 per Dollar.
He also noted that a balance of N33,000 will be refunded to each pilgrim after the 2024 Hajj.
The Leader of Taraba State Hajj Delegation, HRH. Lamdo Gashaka, Dr. Zubairu Hamman-Gabdo, assured the state governor of a hitch-free coordination at the Holy Land.
