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Bauchi Govt subsidies Hajj fare hike by 50%
To alleviate the financial burden of the increased Hajj fare on pilgrims from the state, Bauchi governor, Bala Mohammed has approved a 50 per cent subsidy, amounting to N950,000, for the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The National Hajj Commission increased the fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91.
Concerned over the development, the state government said it will pay a subsidy of N959,000 for each of the 1,652 intending pilgrims from the state, totalling N2.5 billion.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Governor.
The statement reads: “In a landmark decision aimed at facilitating religious obligations and enhancing the welfare of its citizens, His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, has approved the subsidy of Hajj fare for all intending pilgrims from the state.
“This historic move was sequel to the recent announcement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCOM) on the adjustment of the 2024 Hajj fare, where intending pilgrims are now required to pay an additional sum of one million, nine hundred and eighteen thousand fifty naira (N1,918,050) only.
“In line with the foregoing, the Bauchi State Government, under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, has subsidised the sum of nine hundred and fifty-nine thousand, twenty-five naira (N959,025.00), which stands at 50% of the above additional fare for each of the 2,290 intending pilgrims from Bauchi State.”
“In view of the above development, the governor has equally approved the immediate release of the sum of two billion one hundred and ninety-six thousand, one hundred and ten naira (N2,196,110) only for the payment of the subsidy fare.
“This unprecedented development underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that Muslim faithful in Bauchi State have the opportunity to fulfil their sacred duty of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.”
“By subsidising the Hajj fare, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on intending pilgrims, thereby enabling more citizens to participate in this revered religious obligation. This initiative also aligns with the government’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and ensure that every citizen has equal access to opportunities and resources.”
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See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
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