After Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had subsidised this year's Hajj with the sum of N90 billion, Atedo Peterside—founder of the Anap foundation and Anap jet—reacted.
While representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tinubu at Wednesday's ceremonial flagoff of the first airlift of the 2024 Hajj exercise from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi, the Vice President reportedly made the declaration (PUNCH, 2024).
The Vice President was quoted as saying;
“Mr president has been committed to this year’s Hajji due to the economic situation, he has also contributed the sum of N90 billion to subsidize this year’s Hajj exercise to have a smooth and successful exercise".
After the report became viral online, though, Atedo Peterside finally spoke up. On Thursday, he expressed his hope that the rumour is not accurate in a post made on his official X Twitter.
Atedo Peterside wrote on his page;
"I sincerely hope that this Hajj Subsidy story attributed to Kashim Shettima is not true. Pilgrimage in all religions is only for those who can afford it. Terrible mixed signals if true".