Intending Pilgrims Now Have Access To Full BTA – Oyo Hajj Board Chairman

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Sheikh Hashim Atere, has revealed that the intending Pilgrims from Oyo state will be given their full basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) before departing the country for Saudi Arabia

Sheikh Atere, while addressing the first batch of the intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, said the baord decided to effect the payment following the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) .

He hinted that the payment form no longer requires presentation of Bank Verification Number earlier requested by the CBN .

He explained that the Airlift for the first batch would be Saturday evening , while second batch is scheduled for Sunday.

He called on the intending pilgrims from the state to take advantage of their flight schedule and perform necessary Hajj rituals before the arrival of intending Pilgrims from other states and countries.

Sheikh Atere reiterated the commitment of the board to the welfare of the intending Pilgrims from the state.

He also advised them to be tolerant and
desist from acts that could tarnish their image.

“Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN announced Five Hundred Dollars as BTA for the intending Pilgrims, and this BTA is crucial to you all. CBN later said 200 dollars cash will be given , while 300 dollars will be paid into bank accounts.
” I was not satisfied with the decision because am aware of its consequences. Not quite long , we received a call from the CBN granting the payment of the whole 500 dollars in cash “

“In view of this , myself and one of our directors here will wait till Monday to collect the BTA at bank , and each pilgrim will get the full payment soon.”

The first batch is expected to leave Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital tomorrow morning for Lagos for their trip to the Holy Land of Mecca , Saudi Arabia.