…charges them on good conduct

By Haroon-Ishola Balogun

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has placed pilgrims from the state atop of others with a whooping Basic Travelling Allowance, BTA of $720 making them the richest in among the entire contingent to the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The governor, Tuesday provided additional $300 to each pilgrims who had already gotten $420 from their actual released BTA.

The Governor said that knowing the pilgrims are having challenges with their Basic Travel Allowances (BTA) therefore, he has provided additional US $300 to each pilgrim apart from their $420, taking the BTA to US$ 720 for each pilgrim whether under public or private quota.

He said his wish for them is to carry out their religious obligations conveniently and to have the capacity to carry out their hadaya rite with ease.

He however charged them not to engage in acts that will bring the state and the country to disrepute, but be great ambassadors.

Governor Fubara also emphasized that the pilgrims should engage in special prayers that will bring blessings and development to the country, stating that the pilgrims were privileged to embark on the holy journey.

The Governor gave the charge while addressing the pilgrims in preparation for their airlift at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa on Tuesday.

“I wish you well and also say you’re privileged to embark on this holy journey. What you owe the country and State is prayers for a better country and better state. We believe strongly that you’re going to be good ambassadors to us.

“You will not do anything to bring any form of shame to us, so I want to join the Hajj Commission and every one that has supported in one way or the other to say journey mercy. Come back with blessings that will bring development and growth to our dear country.”

On his part, the Sole Administrator, Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Diepriye Abdulrasaq commended Governor Fubara for his kind gesture to sponsor the pilgrims to this year’s Hajj, noting that without God and the Governor’s fatherly support the exercise would not have been successful.

He said the Muslim community in Rivers State were excited about the priority attention the Governor Fubara has given to the welfare of Muslims in the state since his assumption of office, and assured that Muslims will continue to be law abiding citizens and pray for Rivers State as a mark of gratitude for the Governor’s goodwill.

According to the Sole Administrator, this year’s Pilgrim consist of 45 state sponsored persons, while 5 are self sponsored.

Alhaji Abdulrasaq said Governor Fubara remains the first governor in the country to pay the required funds for the Rivers State contingents which has given them pride of place as they journey to the holy land, and promised to pray for him and the State.