*Photo: Idris *
The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has explained why it decided to collect three million Naira (N3m) as initial minimum deposit from intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj.
Executive Secretary of the Board Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, gave the explanation during a phone-in and live program titled ” reality and early plan of 2024 Hajj operation” held during the week at Albarka Radio Bauchi.
He reminded his audience that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria( NAHCON) had advised intending pilgrims to save not less than N4.5M as Hajj 2024 deposit. He however said Bauchi State decided to collect the sum of N3M as initial and minimum deposit considering the economic situation and in order to encourage prospective pilgrims.
While emphasizing the need of making the general public aware on happenings on 2024 Hajj excercise, Imam Abdurrahman solicited the support of Hajj stakeholders to educate intending pilgrims on new 2024 hajj policies introduced by Saudi Arabia and NAHCON.
He said his Board has concluded arrangements to embark on state-wide sensitization tour of all Local Government Areas and Emirate Councils to seek for their collaboration.
He noted that Nigeria has less than four months to conclude all necessary arrangements on next year’s Hajj excercise.
Imam Abdurrahman said the Board has already distributed all the 3,364 Hajj slots to the existing paypoints in the state and announced the changing of Board headquarters paypoint with the Hajj Savings Scheme which he described as an avenue available for pilgrims to save gradually.
