Information reaching the ViewPointNigeria news desk indicates that the Plateau State Government has resumed the disbursement of Sallah gifts to Muslim faithfuls following the brief haitus from 2015 – 2016, during which Governor Lalong cited “recession” as the reason why such expenditures were being suspended.

To mark the 2017 Eid El Kabir celebrations, Governor Lalong felicitated with Muslim faithfuls, appealing to him to emulate the teachings of Islam and live according to the tenets and true teachings of the religion. He then released the sum of N45 million for the purchase of rams and other food items, as a mark of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence.

The chairman of the disbursement committee and state commissioner of Mines and Environment, Hon Abbas Abdullahi who confirmed the distribution of rams and food items to Muslims told news men that the amount had been approved by Governor Simon Lalong and released.

Governor Lalong had in 2015 put a temporary stoppage to government sponsorship of pilgrims to Hajj and Jerusalem as well as halted the disbursement of Sallah and Christmas gifts due to what he then described as dwindling state resources.

However, this year the Governor has resumed the practice with the sponsorship of approx. 616 pilgrims to the 2017 Hajj at the cost of approx. N1 billion (N1.6 million per person).

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Eid El Kabir: Plateau spends N45m on Sallah rams