By Stanley Onyekwere
The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards improving the welfare and wellbeing of both Muslims and Christians intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and Israel respectively.
Mohammed gave the assurance during a brief tour of the ultra-modern permanent pilgrims camp, worth N658 million, long Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, for use by both intending Christian and Muslim pilgrims in the state
The Governor spoke through the official Master of the Ceremony (MC) of Bauchi State Government, Chadi Mohammed, who conducted members of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps on a tour of the facility at the weekend.
He explained that the decision to build the camp was born out of the desire of his administration to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the state pilgrims as well as enhance the quality of life of the people of the state.
He noted that the Government of Bauchi State recognised that the people of the state were very religious, and needed to be provided with some amenities to discharge the sixth pillar of Islam.
The Governor noted that the camp, which was the best in West Africa has an administrative block, camp clinic, over 1,500 capacity multi-purpose hall, mosque and ablution area.
He further said the camp would also be used for commercial purposes and assured that the journey of pilgrims from Bauchi to Saudi Arabia would be done with respect and dignity.
“ The camp has male and female hostels with many rooms, screening hall, 1, 500 capacity multipurpose hall, mosque, ablution sites, toilets, kitchen and a clinic.”
“Aside being close to the airport, the proximity of the camp to the airforce base would help ensure security and safety of pilgrims.”
It will be recall that Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), an organisation that monitor Hajj activities in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia recently honoured the Bauchi State Government with a prestigious award of excellent as the state with Modern Hajj camp in Nigeria and overall in camping activities during the 2022 Hajj Operation
