For Immediate Release
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil organization that monitors and reports Hajj activities across the world, has commended the efforts of Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on its campaigns aimed at educating and creating awareness on the deadline for payment of 2024 Hajj fare.
The commendation is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by the IHR National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, and made available to newsmen.
It said:” We have followed the unique efforts deployed by Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board towards sensitising intending pilgrims on the need to hasten registration for the 2024 Hajj exercise. Bauchi is the first to publicly embark on Hajj payment campaign and rally support of Hajj stakeholders in the state towards the success of the campaign”.
”So far, the leadership of the Board has taken Hajj payment campaign to the six emirate councils in Bauchi state for the success of the campaign.
“ On the 3rd of October, the Executive Secretary of the board featured in a phone in programme to educate intending pilgrims on the new Hajj calendar and how it will affect late payment of Hajj fare.
“Also on 19th of the same month, the leadership of the board met with officials of some Banks where they pleaded with the financial institutions to help sensitise intending pilgrims as part of their corporate social responsibility. The board has also met with Islamic scholars and engaged media houses to help in the campaign,” IHR said.
IHR commends the proactive and timely measures adopted by the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. It said the late commencement of educating Nigerian intending pilgrims of the implication of the new Hajj calendar by most states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards has contributed to the slow response being witnessed across the country presently.
”It will be recalled that Independent Hajj Reporters had immediately after the last Hajj exercise called on relevant Hajj authorities in Nigeria to begin early registration of the 2024 Hajj intending pilgrims after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia released its 2024 Hajj calendar.
”The New Hajj calendar clearly slated that the closure of issuance of visa will be done 50 days before Arafat. The calendar also scheduled 25th of February as the date for signing of all Hajj contracts relating to 2024 Hajj services.”
