*Enlightenment program compulsory, as over 95, 000 expected to perform 2024
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Report from Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has confirmed the registration of over 4,000 intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj exercise, and was able to meet up with the February 12th 2024 deadline of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Agency also disclosed that nearly all the 4,000 registered intending pilgrims have completed their payment of N4, 699 million official hajj fare stipulated by NAHCON for this year exercise.
A statement by the Agency obtained from Kaduna Outlook, a publication of Kaduna state government latest addition, noted that more pilgrims are expected to complete payment before the total hajj fare is remitted to the commission.
According to Kaduna outlook, the commission had earlier allocated 6,004 to Kaduna state pilgrims this years, out of over 95, 000 Nigerian pilgrims expected to perform the hajj.
The Agency also stated that it has engaged scholars across the 23 LGA in the state to sensitize and educate the intending pilgrims on how to performed hajj according to Islamic rites,
The program is aimed at teaching the the basic tenets of Islam, holy pilgrims and other principles of hajj operations as well as the regulations governing pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman (EC), of the commission Mal. Salihu S. Abubakar said enlightenment program would be conducted every Saturday and Sunday with compulsory attendance for all intending pilgrims.
“We believe this comprehensive education will empower them to perform the pilgrimage with confidence, understand and peace of mind”, it stated.
The Agency new Boss explained that the staff of the Agency and other stakeholders will also provide operational information such as travel procedures, luggage restrictions and and list of items permitted into the holy land, as well as other support services.
