The Lagos State Government has fulfilled its promise to pay the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in US dollars to its 1,562 pilgrims currently performing the Year 2022 holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Amir-ul-hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, disclosed to pilgrims in Mecca that each of the pilgrims would get $800 in fulfillment of the promise earlier made during the seminar held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on June 12, 2022.
Prince Elegushi added that the total BTA amount that would be paid to the 1,562 pilgrims is $1,249,600.
While dispelling the unfounded rumor that the State Government was planning to deprive them of their money, the Commissioner stressed that the delay was caused by the stringent conditions attached to the release of money to the beneficiaries.
He, however, thanked Allah that the challenges were surmounted and the travel allowance was released for distribution to the pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Elegushi expressed his appreciation for the unflinching support and assistance of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, during the critical period, appealing to the pilgrims to spend their money wisely.
While enjoining the pilgrims to pray for peace and tranquillity in Nigeria, especially against insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and other vices bedeviling the country, Elegushi urged the Muslim faithful to see God’s face for the success of the present administration in the State.
At the meeting were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, and Board Chairman, Engr. Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar.
Other Board members also present include AbdulWaheed Lolade Shonibare (Ikeja Division); Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu Division) and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Epe Division).