Religion

Oyo Intending Hajj Pilgrims Set for Departure 

By Web News 372

By Iyabo Adebisi

As the first batch of intending pilgrims depart to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 hajj, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has tasked the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board not to compromise the welfare of 1070 Pilgrims of the state while in the holy land. 

He stated this during an official farewell ceremony for the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims to 2024 Hajj operation held on Wednesday at BCOS Open Field Area, Bashorun, Ibadan. 

Governor Makinde while stressing the need for the board to look after every Pilgrims from the state also urged the Pilgrims to be good ambassador of the state in Saudi Arabia. 

Governor Makinde therefore enjoined the Pilgrims from the pacesetter state to pray for their families, government and the progress of the state during the hajj exercise. 

He explained that his administration has continued to put necessary machineries in motion for the airlift of pilgrims from Ladoke Akintola Airport, Olodo, Ibadan. 

In a sermon, the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Teliat Ayilara admonished the Pilgrims to shun frivolities in the holy land and perform the spiritual exercise according to the islamic principles. 

In their goodwill messages, former chairman of the Oyo state Muslim Welfare Board, Professor Kamil Olosho, former CCII president, Chief Bayo Oyero and a member of the Oyo state advisory Council, Chief Nureni Akanbi encouraged the Pilgrims to be united and pray for the state and Nigeria as a whole in Saudi Arabia. 

Earlier, the Chairman, Oyo state Muslim Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere lauded state government for its support to make the 2024 hajj a hitch free exercise. 

Sheikh Atere called for the completion of Pilgrims’ building at the Olodo, hajj camp and bus to ease the task of the board. 

The first batch of the Oyo state Pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia this Saturday, 18th May, 2024

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Religion

Adeleke Approves Construction of Hajj Camp

By Web News 1076

By Funmi Ojo

Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the construction of the Osun State Hajj Camp with immediate effect.

Speaking at NASFAT Ramadan lecture in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke bemoaned a situation whereby Osun State is the only state in the Southwest without a Hajj camp, vowing to lay the foundation for Hajj Camp before the commencement of the next holy pilgrimage exercise.

He directed relevant government agencies to liaise with the Osun State Muslim community on appropriate locations and further compliance processes.

The Governor, who joined in the drumming of “bandiri” drums, listed the many projects and programmes of his administration and assured the Muslim faithful that he was in office to serve the people.

“I am your servant. The voters are the masters. We the elected are the servants. I have that reality right. And that is why my efforts and focus are on serving the people.

“I refused to collect security votes. I said we should use it for infrastructure. Almighty Allah has blessed me and my family before getting into this office. Our focus is to deepen the good name of my family by genuinely serving the people.

“I am completing abandoned projects and I am executing new ones. I am after good names. Our government is for the people, not for self-enrichment as in the past”, the Governor noted.

Earlier in a lecture, Sheikh Abdul-Razak Aduamigba from the Adabiyah family, Ilorin, had charged the Governor to continue his good work of developing the state as was done by his late brother, affirming that “the people as of today trust and love you.

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Religion

We’ll ensure equity, fairness among religious groups – Oyo Dep. Gov.

By Web News 665

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Government has assured the people of the state that the present administration would continue to ensure equity and fairness among all religious groups in the state.

The State Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal gave this assurance while addressing Oyo pilgrims in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Governor who is the Amirul Hajj of the state contingent, said the rights of Muslims and other religious groups would be respected.

He also assured that the welfare and safety of the pilgrims would be the major preoccupations of Government and the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The Oyo state Amirul-Hajj therefore announced his personal donation of an undisclosed sum of money to the pilgrims, numbering 1,446.

The Deputy Governor thereafter charged the pilgrims, who are preparing for their movement to Mina and ascension of Mount Arafat, to pray for peace and progress of the state and the nation while performing the hajj rites.

The State Pilgrims are scheduled to leave their hotels in Makkah for Mina on Sunday night in preparation for ascension of Mount Arafat and the three day symbolic stoning of Satan.

The pilgrims, alongside their counterparts from other parts of the world, are to converge on Mount Arafat on Tuesday, 27th June, 2023.

Religion

Six Nigerian Pilgrims Die in Saudi Arabia

By Web News 612

By Nafiu Busari

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the death of Six pilgrims from Nigeria who are  participating in the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, Usman Galadima, disclosed  this during a meeting in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

According to him, pilgrims from Osun and Kaduna States for the 2023 Hajj each had two deaths, while Plateau State recorded just one.

The Hajj Commission also said 30 people were diagnosed with mental illnesses and are currently undergoing therapy. They are  anticipated to fully take part in the Hajj exercise, according to Usman Galadima.

“We have been managing them in our facilities. We have about four psychiatrists in the team. We have been managing them and all of them would likely perform hajj because they are a bit stable now.”

The head of the medical team added that the 2023 Hajj clinic recorded two miscarriages and delivered one baby. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that no fewer than 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in the holy land of Makkah for the 2023 Hajj exercise. 

The number is expected to swell with time as more pilgrims are expected to arrive before the country’s airports and seaports are officially closed. 

Hajj, the yearly pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

The day of Arafat is the most significant among the days that pilgrims will spend in the Kingdom.

Arafat Day holds religious significance in the Islamic calendar and is a day of reflection and prayer.

Muslim pilgrims participating in the Hajj congregate on the fields of Arafat, just outside Mecca, on the Day of Arafat.

While the festival is celebrated on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, the exact date varies from year to year and is determined by the appearance of the new moon.

Religion

2023 Hajj: Airlift of Oyo Intending Pilgrims to Commence May 31

By Web News 1082

By Nafiu Busari

The airlift of intending Muslim pilgrims from Oyo State to the holy land in Saudi Arabia will commence on Wednesday 31st of May 2023.

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim’s Wing), Professor Sayed Malik disclosed this in a chat with newsmen at the Olodo Ibadan office of the Board.

Professor Malik also made it known that the first batch of the intending pilgrims, who were scheduled to be airlifted to the holy lands from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, is expected to depart Ibadan for Lagos on Tuesday, 30th of May 2023.

While assuring that all preparations are being made to ensure that the airlifts of the Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia were hitch-free, the State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board Chairman admonished all those performing Hajj this year to be good ambassadors of the State and Country.

“We are striving to get Buses that will convey our intending pilgrims to Lagos, from where they will be airlifted to Mecca and Medina. We have also given them the necessary orientations on how to perform a successful hajj. My advice for the intending pilgrims is that they should make use of what we taught them by obeying Saudi laws”, Professor Malik stated.

He added that the Intending Pilgrims from the State are expected to leave the country in five batches, with the last batch departing the country on the 8th of June 2023.

“The departing schedule has been made. We have five flights, with the first coming up on the 31st of May. The last flight is expected to come up on the 8th of June 2023. We are also making necessary arrangements to ensure that our intending pilgrims do not wait for long in Lagos before departing for the holy lands”, the Board Chairman stated.

According to the Saudi-trained Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, the final medical screening/immunization for intending pilgrims from Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo and Ogbomoso as well as for state hajj officials and government delegates will hold tomorrow, Saturday 21st May 2023 at the state hajj camp in Olodo Ibadan.

He enjoined those yet to do their medical screening/immunization to make themselves available for the exercise on Saturday.

The exercise will continue on Tuesday next week in Saki for Intending Pilgrims from the Oke Ogun zone.

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Religion

Ogun Pilgrims Board Commences 2023 Hajj Operations

By Web News 1265

Ogun State Government through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the commencement of registration, processing, and documentation for 2023 Hajj exercise, in line with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON).

A release signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda stated that Intending Pilgrims are required to visit the Board to collect tellers and pay the initial Hajj deposit of #2, 000, 000 in not more than three instalments.

The release urged those who wish to roll-over their initial Hajj deposit to come for proper documentation at Block B, Secretariat Complex, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta.

Prospective Pilgrims are also mandated to have valid International Passport to guarantee their journey to the Holy Land.

Sola Agboola/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

Religion

Govt Refunds Pilgrims who Missed Hajj

By Web News 519

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim wing, Professor Sayed Malik has assured the State intending pilgrims who missed the 2022 Hajj of the Board’s readiness to refund their fares.

This is even as he further assured that those who do not wish to collect their money back will be given priority next year.

He revealed this while briefing journalists on the 2022 Hajj report recently in his office, at Olodo, Ibadan.

The Chairman, therefore, said the Board has commenced full payment to those who wish to take their money back irrespective of the

initial cost deduction for their inoculation, clothes, bags, and some other charges.

“The Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has graciously approved the payment of full money without any deduction to whoever among them that intends to collect his/her money”, he said.

“His Excellency has also directed that those who want to use their money for the 2023 Hajj would be the first to be considered for the exercise, Prof. assured.

Professor Malik also said that the Board has embarked on another round of refunds of unspent funds from the 2022 Hajj fare to all Pilgrims that went with the Board for the Hajj exercise. 

He then called on the pilgrims, to visit the Account Section of the Board along with their receipts to claim their funds.

“All the pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj with the Board should come to Olodo Hajj Camp with their receipts for processing of the amount of money to be refunded.”

“Our Account Department is confirming the amount remaining, after deducting all their expenses. Whatever is remaining would be given to each pilgrim”, he said

Professor Malik noted that there were hitches in this year’s Hajj exercise but pledged that such hitches would not be allowed to re-occur in 2023.

“Lessons were learned in this year’s Hajj exercise. And these lessons will be put to use in the planning of next year’s exercise. I want to assure you that we will block all loopholes noticed in the 2022 hajj. In sha Allah, 2023 Hajj will be better in terms of planning and arrangements”, Professor Malik said.

He exonerated the Board from the unfortunate phenomenon encountered by this year’s Hajj while explaining that, “the inadequacies were not peculiar to Oyo State as they were experienced by the intending pilgrims in other States of the Federation. In fact, the problems were worse in some other states. This was why the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had to tender an apology to the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the Tour Operators.”

Professor Malik, however, stated that this year’s Hajj exercise was a success despite some hitches encountered before the exercise.

“I am happy to inform you that the 2022 Hajj exercise was eventually successful”

“In spite of the initial hiccups caused by the Saudi Authorities’ strict anti-COVID 19 protocols and the haphazard arrangements of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the hajj exercise was a success.

“Apart from the fact that the initial hitches were solved, there was no record of any casualty among the Oyo State Pilgrims throughout the period of the holy pilgrimage. All the Six hundred and Forty-One (641) pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj in Makkah returned safely”, affirmed Professor

He added that “all the pilgrims were given their Basic Traveling Allowances (BTA) in full. The initial complaints of a very few of the pilgrims were addressed as none of them was owed”.

The Board Chair charged those that have passports with the Board and have the intention to use them for another important thing, to come for it.

“All intending pilgrims who left their passports with the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board should come to Hajj Camp, Olodo to collect them 

Malik was full of thanks to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the massive support given to the Board by providing all the needed resources to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.

“The success recorded in this year’s Hajj could not have been possible if not for the support we enjoyed from His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. We, therefore, express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency for the timely and invaluable moral and financial support he gave to the Board. 

“We are also grateful to the members of the Government Delegation under the table leadership of the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun as well as the Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Ololade Agboola for their immense contributions to this year’s Hajj exercise”, he concluded.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Religion

Over 30,000 Nigerian Pilgrims still in Saudi-Arabia

By Web News 700 Post a comment

Almost 2 weeks after this year’s Hajj exercise, 25 percent of Nigerian pilgrims have returned home.
Out of 41, 191 pilgrims that participated in the exercise,  10,502 have been airlifted back to Nigeria while 30,689 pilgrims are still in Saudi- Arabia. 

23 return flights have been recorded since the commencement of the exercise on 15th of July.
The latest to have returned safely to Nigeria via AZMAN flight ZQ2359 were 400 pilgrims from Yobe State and 2 from Bayelsa State. 

According to Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,  NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah  Hassan the pilgrims’ departure has been in line with their arrival into the holy land. 

Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been completed before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia.

 While few of the pilgrims who could afford going to Medinah had gone on their own others yet to visit the Prophet Muhammad’s city are still in Makkah waiting for mobilization by  NAHCON. 

Our Correspondent,  Ridwan Fasasi reports that some of the pilgrims used the time of their stay in Makkah to  perform as many Tawaf as possible in Kaaba to seek more favour from Allah.


Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

2022 Hajj: 1,782 Pilgrims Return to Nigeria

By Web News 392

1, 782 pilgrims have been airlifted back to Nigeria from Saudi- Arabia where they participated in this year’s Hajj exercise.

The pilgrims were airlifted through four flights with the inaugural return’-trip which commenced on Friday, 15th July with 423 pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory.

The latest flight MAXAIR NGL2002 departed Jeddah this morning with 515 pilgrims from Borno and 4 officials.

The last flight, FLYNAS XY7006, which departed yesterday left Jeddah to Lagos at 21:21hrs Nigeria time with 420 Osun State pilgrims and 9 Officials.

According to Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan the pilgrims’ departure would be in line with their arrival into the holy land.

Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been compjleted before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia.

Our Correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that 39,409 pilgrims are still in Saudi- Arabia awaiting their departure .

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Pilgrims back in Makkah after 5 days under Tents in Muna

By Web News 636

Many Pilgrims participating in the ongoing Hajj exercise today returned to their base in Makkah after the symbolic throwing of the last set of stones at the devil at Jamrah. 

While some left for Makkah after the throwing of stones at Jamrah, others left for their tents in Muna where buses later conveyed them back to Makkah. 

However, some pilgrims might still stay back in Muna if they were not convinced that all the stones they threw at Jamrah touched the walls and would have to repeat the exercise tomorrow before leaving for Makkah. 

.While in Makkah the pilgrims are expected to continue with the circumambulation of Kaaba called Tawaf as well as running from Safar to Marwa, which symbolized the struggle of Prophet Ibraham’s wife, Hajar while looking for water in the desert for her thirsty son before Allah ordered spring out, which is the origin of today’s healing water called Zam-zam.

After completion of the rites in Kaaba either today or tomorrow, pilgrims have now completed the Hajj rites and are free to remove the white garments they put on the past few days.

Our Correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that those who have not visited the mosque of Prophet  Muhammad in Medina could now do so while those who have been there earlier would be preparing for farewell circumambulation when they were ready to depart Saudi- Arabia. 

Rilwan Fasasi

Religion

1,150 Nigerians Miss 2022 Hajj

By Web News 373

One thousand, one hundred and fifty [1,150], intending pilgrims from Nigeria have missed this year’s Hajj exercise.

The breakdown of the affected intending pilgrims shows that the private tour operators sector has the highest with 740 followed by Kano State with 700.

Others are Plateau State with 91 intending pilgrims while Bauchi State has nine [9].

This is contained in a statement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda-Usara.

NAHCON regretted all inconveniences caused by the development to the intending pilgrims and other stakeholders and attributed the cause to the last-minute disappointment regarding flight arrangements pointing out that the Commission is ready to refund the intending pilgrims. 

“Sadly, despite all efforts to airlift all Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj, NAHCON was incapacitated in discharging this responsibility fully, majorly due to last-minute setbacks that frustrated its plan to conclude airlift of pilgrims by 27th June of this year. Unfortunately, the chartered flight option that gave so much hope to NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators’ leadership also became a failure as their IBAN accounts failed accreditation by the respective authorities in Saudi Arabia”.

“The Commission gives assurance that all affected pilgrims will be refunded their Hajj fares while it will work towards improving its deficiencies next time. NAHCON has learnt a lot of lessons and is determined not to have a repetition of the unfortunate situation”. 

NAHCON also acknowledged the disappointment and hardships experienced by pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia during their airlift operations to the holy land. 

“NAHCON humbly acknowledges the following: that it owes deep and unreserved regrets to entire intending pilgrims to 2022 Hajj for the hardships and disappointments experienced during outbound airlift operations to the holy land. The Commission offers similar apologies to the federal government of Nigeria, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and the general public for any embarrassment the situation of the past few weeks might have caused”.

PR/Ridwan Fasasi 

Religion

Hajj 2022: Over 30,000 Nigerians Assemble on Mount Arafat

By Web News 1340

Over thirty  thousand Nigerians are among the pilgrims from across the globe that will this morning converge on mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
Arafat day is the peak of hajj exercise which precedes Eid Kabir celebration which comes up tomorrow . 
While on the plain of mount Arafat, the pilgrims are to praise Allah,  recite the Quran and pray for themselves as well as others till the sunset.
After sunset, they will depart to Muzdalifa where they will pass the night before proceeding to Jamrat where the symbolic throwing of stones to devils would be done.
Speaking on the essence of Arafat, the  Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdur-Rasheed AbdulAzeez who is also among the pilgrims explained that Arafat is Hajj as every pilgrim irrespective of their health challenges must be at the plain of Arafat otherwise their Hajj would be nullified. ”  Prophet Muhammad says ‘Arafaf is Hajj and Hajj is Arafat’. This implies that the most important aspect of Hajj is staying at the plain of mount Arafat.  All pilgrims including the sick ones must be on ground otherwise their  Hajj exercise would be null and void.”
He said Allah will move closer to the pilgrims on Arafah and would be ready to answer their prayer requests.”Angels in their multitude will descend to the earth to join the pilgrims as Allah will come down to answer prayers from them. It’s a  special day in the lives of Muslims. “
An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ismail AbdRasaq said other Muslims who are not on Hajj are expected to observe fasting on the day of Arafah which its reward is expiration of sins” It’s recommended that Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast on the day of Arafah as Allah promises to forgive their sins for last year and next year. This is no doubt a worthwhile exercise. “
He also emphasized that this year’s Arafaf day that fell on Friday was a rare privilege which would earn the pilgrims double rewards.
”  Any Arafah that falls on a Friday is a special Arafah because it will entail 2 sermons of Arafah and that of Jumat service. This is a double reward from Allah”.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, Ridwan  Fasasi reports that the pilgrims are in high spirit to perform the Hajj exercise.

Rilwan Fasasi

Religion

Hajj 2022: Oyo Pilgrims Head to Mina

By Web News 1510

Pilgrims from Oyo State have headed to Mina in the commencement of some important Hajj rites.

The pilgrims, numbering 641, left for Mina at 3:23 am Nigerian time.

Mina, a valley which lies about eight kilometres southeast of Mecca, is often referred to as a city of tents because of the massive presence of over 100,000 air-conditioned tents housing millions of pilgrims from all walks of life.

According to reports, the tents accommodating Oyo pilgrims in the hot desert city are equipped with over 900 air-conditioners.

While at Mina, the pilgrims are expected to perform the symbolic throwing of stones at the Devil between sunrise and sunset, in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s stoning of Satan who tried to discourage him from sacrificing his son in fulfilment of his vow to Allah.

It is from Mina that the pilgrims will converge on Mount Arafat, a very important rite of Hajj exercise.

In Islamic tradition, the Hajj exercise is incomplete without the climbing of Mount Arafat.

Nafiu Busari

Religion

Hajj: Saudi Authority Extends Airlift Window

By Web News 480

The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation has extended the deadline for airlifting Nigerians to this year’s hajj to July 6.

Concerns have been raised regarding the commission’s ability to convey all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The extension was necessitated by flight cancellations and delays caused by inability to secure Basic Travel Allowances (BTAs), insufficient funds for visas, and unavailability of PCR test results, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, on Monday.

Hajiya Fatima said just 13 of the 65 flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia had departed on time.

She urged would-be pilgrims to keep calm, as they would all be airlifted before the new deadline expires.

 Frcn Abuja / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Religion

Nigeria needs prayers to end insecurity – Makinde Tells Intending Pilgrims

By Web News 500

Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged Intending pilgrims to use the opportunity of their pilgrimage to Mecca to pray for an end to several security challenges facing the nation.

He said this while bidding farewell to the state Intending pilgrims at Hajj camp, Olodo Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who was represented by the chairman, Oyo state Housing Corporation, Barrister Bayo Lawal, also called for prayers against chaos in Oyo state especially ahead of the 2023 general election.

He said the nation needed prayers to deal with the unending incidences of kidnapping, killings and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria.

 Governor Makinde who urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state by shunning hard drugs and adhere to the rules of Saudi Arabia added that his administration remained committed to welfare of muslims.

Earlier, Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslims wing), Professor Sayed Malik expressed joy that intending pilgrims were once again being airlifted after COVID-19 two years break to Hajj operations.

He urged the intending pilgrims to consider themselves privileged and blessed by Allah to be among the few number approved by the Hajj authorities.

Professor Malik, however enjoined the state government to consider a facelift of the Hajj camp especially completion of the administrative building at the camp that has been abandoned since 2015.

Present at the event were Aare Musulumi for Yoruba land, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola; former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Alhaja Bose Adedibu; state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Musbau Babatunde and Justice Moshood Abass.

The first batch of Oyo state intending pilgrims are expected to leave Nigeria on Thursday, June 16th, 2022 to the kingdom of the Saudi Arabia.


Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Saudi Spells Out Rules for Hajj Airline Operators

By Web News 467

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued new rules for airlines transporting pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.

The rules cover all airlines working in the kingdom’s airports, including private airlines, regarding the health requirements that should be met by passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

According to the new rules, pilgrim passengers should be less than 65 years old and have completed immunizations with basic doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Pilgrim passengers must also submit a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours prior to departure to the kingdom.

Meanwhile, the national carrier of the country, Saudi Arabian Airlines SAUDIA, has allocated 14 aircraft for pilgrims, which are expected to make 268 international flights from and to 15 stations worldwide, as well as 32 domestic flights.

In total, the airline will be responsible for providing around 107,000 international and 12,800 domestic seats during the Hajj season, it added.

Saudi Arabia announced in April its plan to receive one million domestic and foreign pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.

It is the first time that foreign pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj after the previous two seasons, which were restricted to domestic pilgrims due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Religion

Governments Have No Business In Hajj Sponsorship- NAHCON

By Web News 674

Federal, State and Local Governments have no business in sponsoring Muslims to hajj as the religious rite is for those that can afford it.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan stated this in Ibadan during a special reception prayer organised in his honour by Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN.

He said  governments do not need to sponsor anyone to hajj but should rather use the resources to empower the people and improve the infrastructure.

“Let us free government from financial involvement in hajj, government can provide logistics for hajj operation but not sponsoring people to hajj”

The NAHCON Chairman said the commission was working towards self- sustaining without relying on government allocation as the support of the federal government at present was less than twenty percent. 

“With time, funding of hajj will be removed from government and will be strictly through internally generated revenue of NAHCON”.

He said the frequent increase in hajj fare would make it difficult for people to go to hajj and as well result to inability of the commission to exhaust the quota allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Authority stressing that the hajj saving scheme would ease contribution towards participating in the religious rite.

“The concept of hajj saving scheme is whereby the poor can save bit by bits between two and five years, until they are able to get to the amount required for hajj.

“The money is turned into investment through our partnership with Jaiz Bank and they are entitled to increase in their holdings in the bank through their profit,’ Hassan said.

Barrister Hassan said the introduction of Hajj training Institute and digitization of hajj operation by the commission were aimed at making  hajj operation hitch-free, less stressful and a quality exercise.

Earlier, MUSWEN’s President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, called on Muslims in the region and Nigeria in general to support the Chairman of NAHCON and not distract him with selfish demands.

“His assignment in NAHCON is national, Islamic and corporate,We should not frivolously distract his attention with selfish demands”.

He said the NAHCON Chairman’s  position being occupied by Barrister Hassan, who was one of them from the region, was a matter of corporate mercy from Allah which must not be turned into individual benefits.

“Our brother Zikrullah Hassan needs our full cooperation in terms of well wish and sincere prayer’.

“Any success or failure in that office, during his tenure, is a major scale by which MUSWEN will be weighed in posterity”.

A Special prayer for the Chairman was led by the Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Professor AbdulRahman Oloyede .

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

NAHCON Lauds Osun Govt on Hajj Operations

By Web News 576

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has lauded Osun state government for being the leading light and a pacesetter in the Hajj process in the country.

Alhaji Hassan said Osun has been top-notch as far as Hajj is concerned in the last ten years as manifested in the huge success the State had recorded over the years.

NAHCON Chairman gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Governor’s office, Abere.

He said the Commission has been monitoring the sterling performance of the State in the last ten years, a motive he described as most impressive and commendable.

Alhaji Hassan who led some members of staff of the Commission to Osun, described the visit as a familiarisation and advocacy visit to sensitise the Muslim community on the need to partake in the ongoing Hajj Savings Scheme.

In his remarks,Osun state Governor Mr Adegboyega Oyetola applauded Hassan for bringing innovation and modern technology to advance the operational scope of the Commission.

Mr Oyetola who described the Hajj Savings Scheme as a welcome development and people-oriented initiative, said “with this scheme people can go to Hajj without unnecessary financial burden.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Religion

NOA, NAHCON Strengthen Collaboration for Safe Covid Period Hajj

By Web News 618


Press Release

The National Orientation Agency NOA and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have agreed to strengthen their long existing collaboration toward safe and hitch free Hajj operations in the year 2021.

The Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari made this known when receiving NAHCON officials led by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Abari said that the NOA and NAHCON were optimistic that Hajj, a major pillar of Islam, would hold in 2021, unlike the year 2020 when it couldn’t hold due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that all must be done to prevent the spread of the virus through strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols at all stages of the hajj process.

He said the NOA/NAHCON collaboration, to which NOA remains committed, is very critical to the success of Hajj operations because it sensitizes potential pilgrims in their own dialects about what to expect and how to behave during the pilgrimage. According to him, NOA State and Local Government officials serve as credible channels of information for potential pilgrims at the community level where they speak the local dialects to create the necessary sensitization for a hitch free pilgrimage.

Describing the Hajj sensitization program of the Agency, the DG NOA said it includes interactions with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), women organizations, youth organizations and community leaders as well as the provision of information materials for easy mobilization and pre-Hajj orientation.

Earlier, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan said the Commission was in NOA to leverage the Agency’s robust platforms to orient and sensitize the Muslim Ummah in all nooks and crannies of the country. Against the backdrop of pervasive and persistent disbelief in the existence of COVID-19 among the populace, the NAHCON Chairman said the 2021 Hajj sensitization would include persuasion of pilgrims on the reality of COVID-19, the need for precautions and testing and the need to avail themselves for vaccination when the vaccines become available in the country.

Hassan was hopeful that the COVID-19 Vaccine will be available soon and in good time for the vaccination of the 2021 Hajj hopefuls. He thanked the NOA for its continued support for Hajj operations and called on the Agency to intensify its sensitization in the areas of COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
WEBSITE: noa.gov.ng TWITTER: @NOA_Nigeria FACEBOOK: National Orientation Agency, Nigeria INSTAGRAM: @noa_nigeria

Religion

You Can Have Your Money Back, Oyo Hajj Commission Tells Intending Pilgrims

By Web News 964

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Professor Sayed Malik, says the monies of all intending pilgrims with the board for this year’s hajj are intact.

Saudi Arabia authority recently announced the decision to allow only the local Pilgrims of different nationality to perform the Hajj 2020 and cancel the attendance of the international Pilgrims.

Prof. Malik made the disclosure while briefing journalists about the development at his office at Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

He assured the intending pilgrims to be rest assured that their monies are intact and safe till 2021 Hajj, adding that those that wish to get their money back are permitted to request for the refund by writing to the board.

Prof. Malik also explained that the decision of the Saudi Arabia was to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus pandemic that is currently ravaging the whole world, considering the large number of people that would wish to perform the 2020 Hajj.

The Chairman, appreciated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, under the leadership of Alhaji Kunle Hassan for the unrelenting efforts put in place for the 2020 Hajj operation.

Iyabo Adebisi