Ebonyi State government under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved over N500 million to support forty-six (46) prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
This was made known by the Honourable Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State, Jude Chikadibia Okpor.
According to him, the approval was made during the Ebonyi State Executive Council meeting of Friday, 7th February, 2025 which was held with the Chairman of the Council and Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF presiding.
He said; “Nigeria is a secular state, and Ebonyi under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, has not only become a peaceful home for all where religious tolerance is encouraged but also seen practised.
“In practical exhibition of this government’s disposition and intention, EXCO approved the release of the total sum of Five Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Naira, Eighty-four kobo (N551,502,142.84) only for the sponsorship of forty-six (46) prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj activities. This is to the financial implication of (N8,784,085.59) only per beneficiary in the said package.
“EXCO also resolved to ask all the council chairmen to consider the sponsorship of one (1) person in each of the council areas in the 2025 Hajj to broaden indigenes’ participation.”
Intel Region reports that on January 20, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON), Executive Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman announced the official fare for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Usman said the fare announcement followed approval by the Office of the Vice President and extensive consultations with stakeholders to maintain affordability.
According to him, pilgrims from the Southern States will pay ₦8,784,085.59, while those from the Northern Zone are charged ₦8,457,685.59.
Pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa will pay the least, at ₦8,327,125.59. Professor Usman attributed the fare stability to extensive collaboration among stakeholders, including representatives from the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
“This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process,” Prof. Usman stated.
He also appreciated the support of the presidency, particularly Ameen Amshi, the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions.
The NAHCON chairman urged intending pilgrims to adhere to the timelines and Saudi guidelines while emphasizing the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute challenges.