Nigerian pilgrims going for Hajj

The Ogun Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has called on intending pilgrims to augment their 2016 interim Hajj fare from the initial sum of N800,000 to N1.180 million.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, made the call on Saturday while briefing news men in Abeokuta.

Rasheed said this was to enable the board to remit the required funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abuja, before the deadline.

According to him, the board has resolved to fix the fare at N1.180 million tentatively, pending the Federal Government’s final decision on the concessionary exchange rate.

He said the board took the decision as the Federal Government was yet to take a definite decision on a concessionary exchange rate because “the Hajj fare is being projected on a current Central Bank Dollar Exchange rate.’’

“Let me assure you, however, that the board will refund excess deposits to offset Basic Travelling Allowance whenever the Federal Government grants concessionary exchange rate.

“The board has fixed June 17 as deadline for payment by all intending pilgrims,” the executive secretary said.

Raheed also added that a Hajj seminar for the intending pilgrims had been scheduled to hold simultaneously in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro central mosques on May 24.

According to him, the event is compulsory for all pilgrims as this is essential for a successful Hajj.

He urged all eligible intending pilgrims to attend the seminar at the designated central mosques in their respective senatorial districts.