Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims were already on edge, but Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun put their fears to rest by addressing the gap in their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) caused by unforeseen fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
The CBN published BTA at 1,530.86 USD/USD, which resulted in 415 USD per pilgrim instead of the 500 USD previously proposed by NAHCON, which used 1,252.01 USD/USD to calculate the hajj fare (BTA included).
Given this adjustment and the current currency rate of 1,530.86 USD/USD, the difference that needed to be paid for the 934 pilgrims from the State amounted to N119,560,712.70.
Consequently, in response to the shortage, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, has swiftly intervened by paying the BTA differential of 119,560,712.70 for all 934 State pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj Exercise. This will ensure that they can perform their hajj rites without stress and in comfort.
The pilgrims will be able to collect the promised 500 USD without any problems thanks to the governor’s quick action, which will alleviate all of their worries about the unexpected increase.
Accordingly, Sheik Iskeel Lawal, the Governor’s Advisor on Islamic Affairs, thanked the governor for his prompt action and wished the government continued success.
At the same time, Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the pilgrims to show their patriotism by praying earnestly for the state and Nigeria as a whole. He also noted that President Bola Tinubu’s bravery and wisdom in trying to change the painful story of the past need strong spiritual backing from every Nigerian.
It is expected that you will pray for the sustainability of the progress and transformation underway by our administration in Ogun State as you start on this special and crucial spiritual activity in the holy land.
In a similar spirit, Abiodun claimed that President Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu “needs your supplications and fervent prayer” to carry on with his brave and altruistic efforts to change the nation’s shameful history.