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Tag: Hajj

  • Hajj: Lagos board’s ‘insensitivity’ blamed for pilgrim’s death

    Hajj: Lagos board’s ‘insensitivity’ blamed for pilgrim’s death

    …another pilgrim rushed to hospital

    Some pilgrims on Wednesday, May 29, blamed the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the death of a pilgrim in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.

    The pilgrims accused the board of insensitivity to their plight.

    Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris lost his life on return from Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

    The 68-year-old pilgrim from Somolu local government was reported to have died while eating in the evening (after Solat Maghrib).

    The deceased has been buried in Makkah.

    A board member, Waheed Ololade Shonibare led other state government officials and some pilgrims to observe Janaza for the pilgrim in Kaabah.

    The pilgrims accused the board of renting a building far from Haram (Holy Mosque) despite knowing that going to haram is a major requisite of Hajj rites.

    “While other states that are not as big as Lagos State got buildings near Haram, Lagos couldn’t. We have elderly people who cannot walk long distances. Many of these old people trekked a long distance to Haram after about eight-hour journey from Madinah,” a pilgrim from Agege said.

    Another pilgrim said the negligence of the board’s officials led to the man’s death.

    According to her, the man was gasping for breath for over a hour with no ambulance to take him to the hospital.

    “We kept calling and crying for medical personnel; no one could attend to him. What happened to all those medical officers that came with the state to hajj?  We know everyone would die at the appointed time, but not out of negligence by those who are supposed to take care of the pilgrims,” she said.

    Read Also: Hajj: Pilgrims get BTA differential

    Another pilgrim said: “The Somolu man who lost his life yesterday was also part of the negligence on the part of the board officials. The hotel’s Air condition was not working despite the excessive heat in Saudi Arabia. He needs a comfortable environment. People had to fan him with paper. Too bad that we lost him.”

    The Nation learnt that another pilgrim was rushed to the hospital yesterday.

    The board’s Secretary, Saheed Onipede, admitted that the pilgrim’s death could not be unconnected with high blood pressure (BP) and the stress he passed through during the tawaf.

    He extended the condolences of the state government to the immediate family and friends of the deceased.

    Onipede appealed to other pilgrims to exercise caution and restrain from overstressing themselves before the commencement of the real Hajj rites which are yet to be fulfilled.

  • Lagos to airlift 1,862 pilgrims for Hajj

    Lagos to airlift 1,862 pilgrims for Hajj

     …insists Israel safe for pilgrimage

    Lagos State will airlift 1,862 pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said on Thursday, May 16.

    Layode, while addressing a ministerial press conference to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, said 3,655 pilgrims went on Hajj in 2023.

    The commissioner also insisted that Israel is safe for pilgrimage.

    He said: “While in the Holy Land during the Christian pilgrimage, the Israel-Hamas war broke out, thus the second batch of the Christian pilgrims were not able to make the trip. To the glory of God, the whole 310 pilgrims returned home safe and sound, no death or abscondment was recorded.”

    Reeling out the achievements of the ministry in the year under review, Layode said during Easter and Ramadan, the government, on March 29, held a combined special prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu. The event was attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, past deputy governors, serving lawmakers, religious leaders, other top government functionaries, among others.

    Read Also: Hajj: be of good conduct, Makinde urges pilgrims

    He noted that the 2024 Ramadan Tafsir, which marked the 25th year anniversary of the Lagos State Ramadan Tafsir, was celebrated with all past commissioners and permanent secretaries.

    Layode also said 50,000 food packs were distributed to public servants across all MDAs to break their fast, and another 50,000 packs to Christians during Lent/Easter, in addition to gift sharing.

  • Hajj: Lagos commences orientation for pilgrims

    Hajj: Lagos commences orientation for pilgrims

    The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will from tomorrow starts weekend lectures/orientation programme for its intending hajj pilgrims.

    The Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, said this during a meeting with the Ulamau (clerics) working with the board on Hajj and Umrah operations, at the conference room of the agency.

    Onipede said the weekend orientation programme was necessary to educate all the intending pilgrims about the complex nature and rigours of the hajj exercise in order to adequately prepare them ahead of the exercise.

    He added that the lectures would afford them the opportunity of knowing all they needed to know about the performance of the Hajj rites especially in both Muna and Arafah as well as in the Jamarat (site for throwing of pebbles) with a view to achieving a rewarding and acceptable Hajj by Allah.

    According to him, the weekend orientation programme which would hold every Saturday and Sunday would run simultaneously in all the Local Government Areas of the state.

    He enjoined the intending pilgrims to attend and take advantage of the programme with a view to getting more acquainted with the exercise, adding that the programme is also an avenue for them to get more information from the Board through their respective Local Government’s Schedule Officers (coordinators), interact and familiarise with one another before their departure to the Holy Land.

    He also sought the support and cooperation of the Ulamau, saying their role is critical to every Hajj operation embarked upon by the state.

    He said: “Let me appeal to all the members of the Ulamau to exhibit great commitment and dedication to the Hajj exercise in order for the State to maintain its leadership position in Hajj operation throughout the country. Your role is therefore very critical in preparing and educating the intending pilgrims about the Hajj rites”.

    Onipede urged the Executive Committee led by Imam Raji Opeyemi to appeal to their members to show commitment and contribute efficiently and effectively to the success of the spiritual exercise by participating fully.

    Read Also: It is time to redesign Hajj management system

    He added that Ojo and Badagry Local Governments which hitherto held their lectures jointly have now been separated with a view to allowing them benefit from the lectures in their respective areas and reduce the stress usually being faced when traveling from Badagry town to Ojo local government for the lectures.

    Chairman of the Ulamau, Imam Opeyemi appreciated the Secretary for the privilege of the meeting. He promised a cordial working relationship with the schedule officers and the intending pilgrims in order to actualise a successful operation this year.

    While stressing further that his members would equally undergo orientation before the commencement of the weekend lectures, he gave assurances that any member who violates laid down procedures would be sanctioned accordingly.

    Director of Operations, Shamsideen Akanni urged the Ulamau to effectively play their role of training the intending pilgrims on every aspect of the spiritual obligation. He also advised them to give their female counterparts the freedom to interact and train the female intending pilgrims separately, saying that women usually express themselves freely when they are amongst themselves.

  • It is time to redesign Hajj management system

    It is time to redesign Hajj management system

    By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    SIR: Hajj management in Nigeria is facing two main problems. Firstly, funding is tied to the dollar; hence once there is a fluctuation in the value of the dollar against the naira, the hajj fare becomes uncertain. This is currently happening. The second problem relates to flight schedules to and from Saudi Arabia, etc. These problems are two-fold, so to speak, and should be collectively tackled by both the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and state Hajj commissions.

    Here’s my proposal on how the problems could be tackled.

    Firstly, the Nigerian hajj fare should be tied to or pegged to the Saudi Riyal. The Riyal is stable due to the country’s strong economic fundamentals and prudent financial management. Additionally, apart from pegging the Nigerian hajj fare to the Saudi Riyal, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria should study the Malaysian hajj management model.

    In Malaysia, the Hajj has a funding management system called the Tabung Haji. It involves several components. The Tabung Haji (Pilgrims’ Fund Board) plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of Hajj for Malaysian pilgrims.

    Malaysian Muslims intending to perform Hajj must make regular contributions to Tabung Haji. These contributions accumulate over time and cover expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and other logistical needs associated with Hajj. NAHCON also implements a similar savings scheme, albeit with limited success. It’s time for NAHCON to redesign the Hajj Savings Scheme in collaboration with banks and other financial institutions, particularly those offering Islamic banking services. The new scheme should allow intending pilgrims to enter into an investment plan for more than one year. As pilgrims deposit funds into their accounts, the bank or financial institution would invest the money for a period ranging from two to several years. By the end of this period, pilgrims would have accrued enough funds for the Hajj fare, along with additional profits. This approach would streamline the process for both pilgrims and commissions, providing ample time for planning.

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    Taking a clue from the Malaysian Tabung Haji, it manages its funds through various Shariah-compliant investment instruments, such as equities, real estate, and Sukuk (Islamic bonds). The returns from these investments sustain Tabung Haji’s operations and cover the costs of Hajj for Malaysian pilgrims.

    The Malaysian Tabung Haji has achieved remarkable success by offering diverse Hajj packages customised to meet the needs and preferences of Malaysian pilgrims. These packages encompass a range of services, including luxury accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation, meals, and guidance.

    Moreover, Tabung Haji extends financial assistance to eligible Malaysian pilgrims who may require support to undertake the Hajj journey. This assistance may comprise subsidies for Hajj expenses or loans to cover pilgrimage costs, which can be repaid in instalments.

    The National Hajj Commission has demonstrated commendable efforts over its three decades of existence. However, the current instability in the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira underscores the need for the commission to consider pegging the hajj fare to the stable Saudi Riyal. Additionally, NAHCON should revamp the Hajj Savings Scheme to offer long-term, Halal investment options for intending pilgrims. This approach would contribute to a more organised and financially sustainable hajj management system.

    To achieve these goals, NAHCON should establish a diverse team comprising individuals from various sectors to assist in redesigning the Hajj Management System, particularly the pilgrim savings scheme.

    • Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja.

  • Sanwo-Olu distributes rice to Lagos councils, LCDAs

    Sanwo-Olu distributes rice to Lagos councils, LCDAs

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday distributed food palliatives to residents across the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). 

    In February, Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the state’s Special Dispensation ‘Palliative’ Advisory Committee aimed at reducing the economic burden on Lagosians. 

    The Nation learnt the distribution of bags of 10kg rice was done through various council chairmen of LGs and LCDAs as parts of efforts to cushion the effects of high cost of living. 

    Read Also: Easter: Sanwo-Olu wants Naira gains reflected in sales

    Our correspondent, who visited some local governments especially Bariga LCDA, Shomolu LGA, Yaba LCDA, Igando-Ikotun LCDA, observed that individuals ranging from civil servants, aged and vulnerable to physically-challenged groups benefitted from the exercise. 

  • Over 50,000 pilgrims completed Hajj payment, says NAHCON

    Over 50,000 pilgrims completed Hajj payment, says NAHCON

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday informed over 50,000 prospective pilgrims have completed payments for the 2024 Hajj under the government quota.

    The commission had announced only 48,414 intending pilgrims paid the earlier announced fare of N4.9m, out of the 90,000 quota allocated to Nigeria, following which the prospective pilgrims were required to pay an additional N1.9m “by the current foreign exchange rate.”

    According to a statement by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs,Fatima Usara, NAHCON said the official number of pilgrims now stood at 51,477 after the close of registration for the exercise.

    A breakdown of the numbers revealed the sub-total from Borno, Adamawa, Yola, Taraba and Yobe States as 5,492 pilgrims, Northern sub-total, 36,261 pilgrims, Southern sub-total, 6,310 pilgrims, while the remaining 3,384 pilgrims were from the Hajj Savings Scheme and others, making 51,447.

    Usara thanked the Federal Government for its “leading role” and “numerous sacrifices”, towards easing the burdens of the intending pilgrims, while also appreciating state governors and other stakeholders for providing support.

    “After the close of registration, the official number of intending pilgrims that registered for the 2024 Hajj from Nigeria stands at 51,447 under the government quota.

    “Commendably, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government played a leading role in the realisation of this noble objective. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria recognises the numerous sacrifices that the Federal Government made against all odds towards easing the constraints of its intending pilgrims.

    “The commission also commends the patience exhibited by the pilgrims who were caught up in the uncertainties. The concern demonstrated by the Ulamas over the pilgrims’ predicament did not go unnoticed by the commission. Several stakeholders, including state Governors, rendered solutions out of the gridlock. Some media houses showed tremendous understanding of the constraints which literarily exposed the reality of the quagmire the 2024 Hajj was confronting, “the statement reads. 

    Read Also: Over 50,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to perform 2024 Hajj – NAHCON

    The commission noted that the 2024 Hajj exercise came with unexpected challenges, adding that going forward, it would adopt long-term planning in its pre-Hajj operations.

    “Indeed, 2024 Hajj preparations came with unexpected challenges from which lessons have been learnt. NAHCON has always known that long-term planning has been the workable strategy that would have subdued the challenges that slowed down the year’s Hajj preparations.

    “Going forward, long-term planning will be the commission’s paradigm shift in its pre-Hajj operations. It is a reality that all Hajj stakeholders must key into to avert unforeseen challenges,” it added.

  • Over 50,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to perform 2024 Hajj – NAHCON

    Over 50,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to perform 2024 Hajj – NAHCON

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said  that no fewer than 50,000 Nigerian intending pilgrims will perform the 2024 hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, disclosed this at a news conference held at Hajj House on Friday in Abuja.

    Arabi said the commission was on course in conducting a successful Hajj operation, no matter the challenges.

    He reiterated that Nigerian Muslims would perform the 2024 Hajj in a number that  nobody had ever imagined.

    ” This year’s Hajj preparations is one of the most difficult and peculiar one.

    ” You know in the past, we had the luxury of time to prepare at our own pace; But, this time around, the host which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came up with the timeline that we have to work within,” he said

    Arabi said that the Federal Government had intervened in so many ways, especially with policies to support the commission to ensure that things did not go wrong.

    Read Also: Sule meets NAHCON boss over rooftop Hajj fare

    “I made bold to say that there were series of interventions that government made in terms of policies to ensure that there is no unnecessary tension in the nation.

    ” Government has a responsibility to keep the nation one, devoid of chaos and rancour,” he said

    Arabi noted that, going forward, Hajj Savings Scheme would be the surest method to adopt.

    He assured that the commission would embark on adequate sensitisation and enlightenment to make sure that intending pilgrims key into it.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 pilgrimage.

    (NAN)

  • Governor Bala: Prioritize welfare over hajj subsidies

    Governor Bala: Prioritize welfare over hajj subsidies

    • By Comrade Muhammed Ishaq

    Sir: I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent increase in the Hajj pilgrimage fare for 2024 by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). As you may be aware, this increase has led some individuals to call upon state governors, including yourself, to subsidize the cost on behalf of intending pilgrims. While I understand the significance of the Hajj for many Muslims, I firmly believe that allocating state funds to support this endeavour would be both wrong and unjust.

    Instead, I implore you to prioritize the welfare of the millions of less privileged citizens residing in Bauchi State. The dire circumstances faced by these individuals are evident in the numerous challenges they confront daily, including access to basic necessities such as food and healthcare. As a leader, your responsibility lies in ensuring that the resources available to you are allocated in a manner that benefits the greatest number of your constituents.

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    To further emphasize the urgency of this matter, consider the recent tragedy in which about 20 individuals lost their lives in a stampede while competing for a modest sum of N10,000 zakat. This heart-breaking event serves as a stark reminder of the suffering that persists within our state. By diverting funds intended for vital public services to Hajj subsidies, we risk exacerbating these hardships and neglecting the needs of those who require our assistance the most.

    It is crucial to remember that the performance of Hajj is a sacred obligation that is only binding upon those who can afford it without causing hardship to themselves or their families. By utilizing state resources to support those who can otherwise manage the cost, we not only undermine the very essence of this religious duty but also perpetuate a system that disproportionately benefits a select few at the expense of the broader community.

    In light of these considerations, I urge you to reject the notion of using Bauchi State’s resources to supplement Hajj fares. Instead, I implore you to direct your attention and the available funds towards initiatives that will alleviate the suffering of our less fortunate citizens and uplift the overall well-being of our state. By doing so, you will not only adhere to the principles of fairness and justice but also demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of all Bauchi State residents.

    •Comrade Muhammed Ishaq,

    <belloishaq85@gmail.com>

  • Kano subsidises hajj fare for 2,900 intending pilgrims with N1.4b

    Kano subsidises hajj fare for 2,900 intending pilgrims with N1.4b

    • Ndume opposes fare hike

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has approved a subsidy of N500,000 for each of the state’s intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

    The Director General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Dan-Baffa, announced this when he addressed reporters yesterday in Kano.

    “Considering the current economic hardship the people are facing, an increase in the Hajj fare is a great challenge to many intending pilgrims. The subsidy is meant to alleviate their sufferings.

    Read Also: Kano subsidises Hajj fare for 2,900 intending pilgrims

    “Those who have already paid part-payment to the board will benefit from the subsidy. Over 2,900 intending pilgrims have already paid to the board,” he said.

    Dan-Baffa urged all intending pilgrims to pay the remaining balance before today, as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    Also, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Ali Ndume has rejected what he called the arbitrary increase in this year’s Hajj fare by NAHCON.

    He described the development as unfair and a deliberate plan to deny Nigerian Muslims, especially first timers, the opportunity to partake in the exercise.

  • ‘Probe sharing of hajj seats, diversion’

    ‘Probe sharing of hajj seats, diversion’

    Arewa United for Peace Foundation of Imo State has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to probe  distribution of 200 hajj seats he gave to the Hausa Community.

    Chairman, Nura Shattima, accused a top Muslim in the state of diverting Uzodimma’s gift.

    He said the Hausa Community was  excited by the assistance the governor had been giving it.

    Nura noted Uzodimma was the only governor in Southeast and Southsouth that gave the Hausa Community hajj seats.

    Read Also: NAHCON 70% ready for 2024 Hajj

    “The over 200 seats have been selfishly and unilaterally coveted by one man to share to his cronies, who sold out some, to the detriment of many qualified beneficiaries”, he said.

    Nura noted the same top Muslim is manipulating a land donated to the community over 15 years ago.

    The foundation called on the state to set up a committee to probe the hajj seats and the plot allocated to the community.

    He hoped Uzodimma would prevent a repeat of the unpleasant hajj seats, alleged diversion, and undermining of other “gestures of the governor”.