Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State yesterday revealed that the state saved over N221.8m after it stopped sponsorship of pilgrimage in the state.
He spoke through his media aide, Mr Samuel Aruwan, on Saturday in Kaduna, while announcing the appointment of the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril, as the 2015 Amirul-Hajj for the state.
Although the sponsorship of pilgrims have stopped, the Governor assured that the state would send 116 officials and guides that would ensure smooth Hajj operations for the 5,682 pilgrims from the state.
According to him, “The government will discharge its obligation to the pilgrims and send a delegation of guides, preachers, medical personnel, media professionals and pilgrim officers.
“The official delegation will be led by the Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril, who is the 2015 Amirul-Hajj.
“In subsequent years, government will consider ways of further reducing its expenses while protecting the comfort of pilgrims,” he said.
Comments