The Jigawa Pilgrims Welfare Board (JPWB), says it has received deposits of N1 million each from 500 intending pilgrims from the state for the 2019 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Sani Alhassan, JPWB Executive Secretary, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Dutse.
Alhassan said the board received the deposit, pending the official announcement of the Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He called on other intending pilgrims who are yet to make the deposit to do so to enable the board process their visa on time.
“We have over 500 intending pilgrims who have deposited N1 million each for the 2019 Hajj, in fact some even paid N1.5 million.
“The deposit is being made pending the official announcement of the Hajj fare by NAHCON.
“So, intending pilgrims wishing to perform the Hajj should endeavor to pay the deposit so as to enable us prepare early for the whole exercise,” he said.
The executive secretary further urged the intending pilgrims to attend the daily training scheduled to commence immediately after the Ramadan fast.
“We’ve conducted weekly training for the intending pilgrims before Ramadan, however, immediately after the fast, daily training will commence up to the time of travelling.
“The facilitators are expected to train prospective pilgrims on obligations, tenets and cardinal principles of Hajj.
“This is because proper education of pilgrims will prepare them to conduct the Hajj in accordance with the teachings of Islam and be good ambassadors of the country.
“It will also give them the opportunity to know proper and acceptable Hajj rites. They should therefore endeavor to attend the training in view of its importance,” Alhassan said.
NAN reports that NAHCON has allocated 1,472 seats to the state for the 2019 Hajj. (NAN)
