Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has promised an upward review of operational grants and allowances of  officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Ahmed made the  promise in Ilorin on Friday while receiving the Hajj 2011 report from the Chairman of the Board, Malam Usman Olosun.

The governor also pledged to look at other teething problems facing the board with a view to ensuring hitch free Hajj operations in the state.

He said that government had started the renovation of the board's office block and the road  leading  to it.

Ahmed said that both Christians and Muslims were living peacefully in the holy lands and wondered why people should not live in peace in Nigeria.

The governor explained that the essence of government sending people on pilgrimages was to help them have the fear of God.

According to him, people should stop seeing pilgrimage as a religious jamboree but a right and privilege to move closer to God.

He said that Islam remained the fastest growing religion in the world, adding that there was the need to make Hajj more conducive for the faithful.

Earlier, Olosun said that 2,704 pilgrims performed the 2011 Hajj but  ''unfortunately, one death was recorded of a male pilgrim after the Arafat.''

The Chairman pleaded with the governor to assist in increasing the Hajj operational grant and allowances to officials of the board.

Olosun urged the government to transform the board to a commission as required by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. (NAN)