The Katsina State Government has approved an additional N97m for securing befitting accommodation for its pilgrims participating in the 2014 Hajj.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Andullahi Faskari, said this on Friday at Matazu, Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
He spoke at the opening of an enlightenment workshop for this year’s intending pilgrims.
Faskari said the state government had earmarked N15m for the workshop which would be conducted in the 34 local government areas of the state.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, Faskari also said the government was making arrangements for the feeding of the pilgrims.
Faskari further said the state government would sponsor 300 people made up of preachers, health personnel and Hajj guides.
He pledged that the state government would continue to give priority to the annual pilgrimage so as to enable citizens of the state carry out their religious obligation with ease.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Danyaya Mashi, said the workshop, which was introduced in 2012, was yielding positive results in enlightening potential pilgrims.
He said the Saudi authorities had recognised the good conduct of pilgrims from the state during previous Hajj exercises and had given them awards.
Mashi urged the intending pilgrims to be punctual and cooperate with officials throughout the period of the exercise to achieve the desired goals. NAN
