The Bauchi State government on Monday inaugurated an ultra-modern permanent Hajj camp worth N658 million for use by both Christian and Muslim pilgrims.
Gov. Bala Mohammed, during the inauguration at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, said the facility would serve both Christian and Muslim pilgrims without clash.
Mohammed said this was possible because the religious groups had different timings for the transportation of their pilgrims.
He noted that his administration recognised that Bauchi people were very religious, and needed to be provided with some amenities to discharge the sixth pillar of Islam.
“This is the only way we can show that we are grateful to them for bringing us to this seat.
“I want to say that even at the temporary camp in town, we have always used it collectively with our Christian brothers, so this is not a different facility.
“This facility will also accommodate the time when our Christian brothers are traveling to Israel, so that they will be able to enjoy all the facilities here.
“We are doing this because Nigeria is for all of us and the resources we brought here are for the government and the people,” he said.
The governor said the ultra-modern Hajj camp was named after Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar III.
“On behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State, we recognise the sultan’s vantage position and what he has been doing for the Muslim Ummah and, indeed, corporate Nigeria in fostering peace among all parties.
“That is why we are naming this edifice after him.
“This facility is built at the cost of only N658 million and it contains all the necessary facilities in addition to the landscaping that is done by one of the best engineering companies in Nigeria,” Mohammed said.
He said the facilities at the camp included 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.
Earlier, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan, the National Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said the state governor provided a furnished office accommodation with a generator.
Hassan, represented by Alhaji Magaji Hardawa, National Commissioner, Operation, said NAHCON as well as the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria would remain grateful to the state governor for the feat.