Cleric laments price of performing 2023 Hajj train, urges FG for assessment 

A famend Islamic scholar, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, has lamented the astronomical rise in Hajj fee, calling on the federal authorities to cut back the speed in an effort to make it reasonably priced for commoners among the many ummah.

In keeping with him, “This yr’s pilgrimage was of probably the most costliest in latest occasions going by the speed by which arduous currencies had been purchased which was past human decency”.

This was contained in a press release signed by the performing chairman of Kano State Media Workforce for 2023 Hajj, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, with a replica made out there on Friday to newsmen in Kano.

Sheikh Kalarawi, who was talking in an interview  on Thursday with journalists on the Holy Metropolis of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, mentioned that the price of the non secular train through State Pilgrims Welfare Board  this yr stood at N2.9 million whereas by way of non-public  airline operators was N4 million.

He disclosed that the fees entailed flight, lodging, logistics and Fundamental Journey Allowance (BTA), lamenting that the growing price of the train, has by and enormous made it financially impractical for a lot of trustworthy to take action.

He nonetheless recalled the frantic efforts of the earlier administrations in minimising the speed inside the attain of the commoners which gave the broader majority the chance to satisfy one of many pillars of the holy faith devoid of hitches.

In keeping with him, Hajj was N1,500 through the regime of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Buhari (N4,000) and Gen. Sani Abacha (N50,000).

He added that late Muhammad Adamu Dankabo by way of his Airline, Kabo Air, out of his gesture, used to provide pilgrims 100kg primary baggage and 20kg hand baggage upon their return from Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Kalarawi nonetheless requested pilgrims to hope for divine intervention on the growing price of the speed geared toward making certain kindness, equality, loveliness, tranquility and above all justice and equity.

The Sheikh, who served as Chairman of the state pilgrims outfit through the reign of late Air Commodore  Hamza Abdullahi and Architect Kabiru Gaya, recalled how they launched particular lessons for intenders  (Bita) to make them abreast with fundamental rudiments of the spiritual train.

In the meantime, the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan, has pledged to current the demand of reviewing the fares earlier than Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for onward submission to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

Lawan, who burdened that Hajj as one of many 5 pillars of Islam, has immense non secular significance for Muslims worldwide, referred to as on people who have the means within the midst of the society to not be overlooked in fulfilling the duty in view of its lofty reward

The Chairman, who attributed the excessive price of observing the ceremony to depreciating worth of Naira, expressed delight with the association made by the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria with Saudi Authorities to make the transaction in {Dollars} with out difficulties.

He expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu will contemplate the request and assessment the speed as a accountable and anxious chief.

In a associated growth, the Kano state Pilgrims Welfare Board has to this point airlifted 4,112 pilgrims again dwelling in 8 flights.

The ninth flight with Kano contingents is anticipated to depart King Abdulaziz Worldwide Airport, Jeddah to Malam Aminu Kano Worldwide Airport on Friday.

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