Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has granted an additional 100 Saudi Riyals as “pocket money” to each of the state’s 1,868 Hajj pilgrims.
This announcement came shortly after the governor provided the pilgrims with $186,800 to cover the shortfall in their Travel Basic Allowance for the pilgrimage.
The news was shared on the official website of the Lagos State Government on Thursday. According to the report, the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, made the announcement while addressing the pilgrims at Alsaad Flower Hotel 2, Misfalla, Makkah, following his arrival on Tuesday.
Layode stated, “Governor Sanwo-Olu has given each of you another 100 Saudi Riyals as pocket money for your stay in Muna and Arafah, in addition to the $100 shortfall in the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims on the third and fourth batches who are yet to collect theirs.”
He urged the pilgrims to reciprocate the state government’s generosity by praying for the governor and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, to fulfill all the pledges made to them before their departure for the holy land.
Layode also highlighted that all commitments made by Sanwo-Olu had been honored, including covering the costs of sacrificial rams, providing funds for their Ihram garments, and facilitating visits to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
“I brought the funds to fulfill all the pledges for the pilgrims on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu,” Layode said, urging the pilgrims to reciprocate these kind gestures with fervent prayers for the governor, his deputy, and the state as a whole.
