The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrillah Olakunle Hassan, has said that the board is committed to ensuring acceptable hajj for pilgrims in Nigeria
Speaking at the sensitisation programme on Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) held over the weekend at the Oyo state Pilgrims Welfare Board, in Ibadan, Alhaji Hassan said the present Hajj Commission like the past boards is committed to fulfilling its mandate through initiatives and reforms that will engender ‘acceptable hajj for the pilgrims
Represented by NAHCON South-west Commissioner, Alhaja Basirat Olayinka Akintunde , Alhaji Hassan stressed that the launch of Hajj Savings Scheme was part of the initiatives by the present board at making holy pilgrimage easier for faithful’s.
He said: “It is an alternate financial empowerment’ for Nigerians of varying economic categories or status seeking to make the ‘life long journey’, in fulfillment of the last, yet, core Islamic pillar.
“Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) is an initiative of NAHCON as provided for in its Establishment Act 2006. It is designed to provide a long term savings plan for people intending to perform the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an alternate financial empowerment’ for Nigerians of varying economic categories or status seeking to make the ‘life long journey’, in fulfillment of the last yet core Islamic pillar.
“The scheme is a partnership initiative and to be run or operated in compliance with Islam Compliance Financial System. In other words, it will be “Sha’riah” or Islamic law compliant. It therefore explains the collaboration with Jaiz Bank, an established financial institution based purely on Islamic economic principles.
Continuing he said, “Since it is a programme aimed at enhancing and assisting Islamic adherents to fulfilling an obligation as commanded by Allah, this Sensitization therefore becomes imperative, paramount and faith attainment driven.”
Alhaji Hassan then solicited the support of “Ulama”, scholars and preachers to help propagate and promote the Hajj Savings Scheme to the generality of the Muslims for their patronage and towards attaining the ‘life long journey.”
According to the NAHCON Chairman, the existence of a main branch of Jaiz bank in Ibadan is a comparative and perfect advantage, yet, a boost to the scheme to be widely patronized by Muslim populated Oyo state.
The NAHCON Chairman then lauded Gov Seyi Makinde, for being supportive of the Pilgrims Board headed by Prof Sayeed Tunde Malik in fulfilling its mandate Alhaji Olakunle lauded Islamic leaders and the “Ulama” through the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Al- Imam Abubakre Agbotomokekere for their ever spiritual guidance and for always being there, ensuring the unity of the “Ummah”, nay, the advancement of Islam and Muslims.
