The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos pilgrims

  • Lagos pilgrims get N30m refund

    Lagos State government will today commence payment of N30 million refunds to pilgrims who performed last year’s hajj.

    Each pilgrim is entitled to N12, 000 each.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amirul-Hajj Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef explained that the fund was meant for some services which were not rendered to them.

    He said: “We agitated for refund of money meant for some services that were not rendered and it was granted. We shall share this money to the pilgrims except those who owe us. Lagos will never short-change pilgrims for whatever reason, what we are refunding belongs to them and not a gift from the government. In the past and in some states, the Amirul-Hajj diverts such funds for private use, but for me, nothing will follow any man to his grave except his good deeds. People should not be denied of what is due to them. Lagos will always strive to set good examples.”

    According to him, each pilgrim will get N12,000 at the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ikeja.

    However, he noted that pilgrims who had performed Hajj consecutively in the last five years and also took part in the last year’s Hajj will not be entitled to the refund.

    “Saudi Authority has increase Visa procurement fees to N200,000 for each pilgrim who had visited the Holy Land for five years, either for Umrah or to perform Hajj respectively.

    “Last year, we incurred additional N14 million on this set of pilgrims. So, any of our pilgrims during last year Hajj who falls in this category will not receive refund,” he stressed.

    He reminded intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise to obtain the National Identity Card to guarantee themselves a place among Lagos contingent.

    Lagos, he said, cannot process Hajj Visa for any intending pilgrims without National Identity Card.

    “Go and get your National Identity Card if you want to perform this year Hajj before it is too late. It is mandatory for all pilgrims.  National Identity Card is a prerequisite for Hajj Visa issuance,” he added.

  • Lagos pilgrims to return on 27

    Lagos pilgrims to return on 27

    *Seeks refund over poor service at Mina

    The official manifest of departure of pilgrims from Lagos State, who participated in the 2016 hajj exercise, has been released by Lagos State Muslim Welfare Board (LSMWB).

    The manifest, which was pasted in the three hotels accommodating the pilgrims from the state in Makkah, showed that the pilgrims from Lagos State will board on 27, 28 and 29 of this month.

    Addressing the pilgrims on the arrangement, the Lagos State Amirul Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef explained that two flights would convey pilgrims from Makkah to Lagos on each of the three days.

    Abdullateef ordered free distribution of 32 kilogram bags branded by the State Government to the pilgrims.

    This, The Nation learnt, is to ensure that possible delay of pilgrims is not entertained

    The Commissioner urged the pilgrims to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the loading of luggage, stressing that anyone who caught violating approved 32 kilogrammes, the load would be rejected.

    Abdullateef said: “Now that you have successfully taking part in this year’s Hajj, I congratulate you all and pray that Allah accept all your worship. It is time for us to start preparing for the return trip back to Lagos. All the pilgrims would soon return home in no distance time.”

    The state’s Amirul Hajj warned against inclusion of contrabands in their luggage.

    “Remember that forbidden items in your luggage attracts serious penalty. Do not include inflammatory objects, and Zamzam water in your bags. Anyone found guilty would be dealt with according to the rules and regulations of the concern authorities,” he said.

    According to him, a business network programme that will serve as a platform for the pilgrims to network with one another for business development and contact has been designed.

    The state’s welfare board secretary Muftau Okoya has called for the refund of the money they paid for the installation of new air conditioning system at its Mina tents since the service was not delivered.

    Okoya stated this after receiving the delegation of Federal Government Amirul-hajj led by Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, at Lagos house on Saturday.

    ‎He said the state was bitter for the non-installation of air conditioning system paid for.

    He said: “The major challenge we encountered was the ‎tent at Mina. They collected the money from us that they would give us new Air conditioners but we only saw them packed off without being installed. So, we had to pay extra to provide fan for our people because the heat was unbearable.

    “We are calling for the refund of our money because that is the only way we can be assuaged. We are very bitter about it. We are calling on them to refund us for the service not delivered and make amends for the next year.”

     

    ‎He, however, hailed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the arrangement at Jam’rat, saying it was well done though there was always a room for improvement.‎hajj-1

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  • Lagos pilgrims to return on 27

    *Seeks refund over poor service at Mina

    The official manifest of departure of pilgrims from Lagos State, who participated in the 2016 hajj exercise, has been released by Lagos State Muslim Welfare Board (LSMWB).

    The manifest, which was pasted in the three hotels accommodating the pilgrims from the state in Makkah, showed that the pilgrims from Lagos State will board on 27, 28 and 29 of this month.

    Addressing the pilgrims on the arrangement, the Lagos State Amirul Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef explained that two flights would convey pilgrims from Makkah to Lagos on each of the three days.

    Abdullateef ordered free distribution of 32 kilogram bags branded by the State Government to the pilgrims.

    This, The Nation learnt, is to ensure that possible delay of pilgrims is not entertained

    The Commissioner urged the pilgrims to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the loading of luggage, stressing that anyone who caught violating approved 32 kilogrammes, the load would be rejected.

    Abdullateef said: “Now that you have successfully taking part in this year’s Hajj, I congratulate you all and pray that Allah accept all your worship. It is time for us to start preparing for the return trip back to Lagos. All the pilgrims would soon return home in no distance time.”

    The state’s Amirul Hajj warned against inclusion of contrabands in their luggage.

    “Remember that forbidden items in your luggage attracts serious penalty. Do not include inflammatory objects, and Zamzam water in your bags. Anyone found guilty would be dealt with according to the rules and regulations of the concern authorities,” he said.

    According to him, a business network programme that will serve as a platform for the pilgrims to network with one another for business development and contact has been designed.

    The state’s welfare board secretary Muftau Okoya has called for the refund of the money they paid for the installation of new air conditioning system at its Mina tents since the service was not delivered.

    Okoya stated this after receiving the delegation of Federal Government Amirul-hajj led by Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, at Lagos house on Saturday.

    ‎He said the state was bitter for the non-installation of air conditioning system paid for.

    He said: “The major challenge we encountered was the ‎tent at Mina. They collected the money from us that they would give us new Air conditioners but we only saw them packed off without being installed. So, we had to pay extra to provide fan for our people because the heat was unbearable.

    “We are calling for the refund of our money because that is the only way we can be assuaged. We are very bitter about it. We are calling on them to refund us for the service not delivered and make amends for the next year.”

     

    ‎He, however, hailed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the arrangement at Jam’rat, saying it was well done though there was always a room for improvement.‎

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lagos pilgrims proceed to Muna on Friday as hajj rites begins

    Lagos pilgrims proceed to Muna on Friday as hajj rites begins

    Lagos pilgrims will on Friday proceed to Muna in batches.

    This is to ensure that none of the members of state contingent to this year’s Hajj miss any of the fundamental aspects of the pilgrimage.

    According to the traditions of Hajj, those who are performing Hajj are expected to observe the Zuhr (Noon) Prayer at Muna on Saturday, the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah which marks the commencement of Hajj.

    Home Affairs Commissioner and Lagos State Amirul Hajj, Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef disclosed this at a prayer session yesterday in Makkah.

    He explained that the decision became imperative sequel to the directive and arrangement made by Saudi authority to ensuring hitch-free hajj exercise.

    He said: “The Saudi authority has advised that states and countries with more than 100 pilgrims to this year’s Hajj must move to Muna in batches. Our target is to ensure that the over 2,000 pilgrims from Lagos State get to Muna before the noon prayer on Saturday.

    “In our own case, we have made provisions for free buses to convey all the pilgrims to Muna. The movement would commence on Friday after Jumat service on Local government basis giving priority to our women folk first.”

    Dr Abdullateef explained that three buses would be stationed at each of the hotels (Al Olayan Royal Hotel, Roya Kudi Hotel and Al Reyada Karim Hotels) where Lagos pilgrims are accommodated.

    The pilgrims are expected to perform the ritual bath and put on their Ihram (the white garment) with the intention of performing Hajj before leaving for Muna.

    Being in a State of Ihram indicates that the individuals are set to perform Hajj. The pilgrims are expected to abide by the rules while in the state of Ihram.

    The Amirul Hajj also implored the pilgrims to adhere strictly to charting the prescribed words of exhortations from the moment of Ihram until the symbolic stoning at Jamrah on the morning of Eid.

  • Lagos pilgrims begin Arabic classes after lesser hajj

    Lagos pilgrims begin Arabic classes after lesser hajj

    All pilgrims from Lagos State have settled down in Makkah after performing the rites for Umrah, the lesser Hajj ahead of the Hajj proper.

    The pilgrims will also participate in Arabic classes before the main Hajj.

    Speaking on the essence of the Arabic classes, Amirul Hajj and the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr  AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, explained that the programme is aimed at increasing pilgrims’ knowledge of Islam.

    AbdulLateef said: “Islam is based on knowledge and Arabic language is the lingual Franca. The programme is designed to inculcate in the pilgrims the basic knowledge of Islam through the teaching of Arabic.

    “We have also started our daily lectures at our respective hotels. Islamic scholars engage the pilgrims in soul-inspiring lectures between Salatul Zuhr andAsr as well as between Magrib and Ishai. The pilgrims are maximally engaged to reap the fruits of staying in the holy land.”

     

  • Lagos pilgrims move to Mina today

    Lagos pilgrims move to Mina today

    Ahead of the Hajj rites at Mount Arafat, the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (LSMPWB) will today move its 3,047 Pilgrims to Mina on the outskirts of Mecca.

    Amirul Hajj Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who made this known during a meeting with the pilgrims in Lagos House, Mecca, on Saturday, reiterated the need for pilgrims to spend the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, that is tomorrow, in Mina. They will proceed to Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls on Wednesday.

    He said in the state’s tradition, which conforms with Prophet Muhammad’s practice, pilgrims will supplicate individually and collectively for themselves, families, Lagos State Government and Nigeria.

    The Amirul Hajj urged pilgrims especially the elderly to be mindful of their health, considering Mecca’s harsh’s weather.

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has hailed LSMPWB’s efforts in catering for the pilgrims.

    During a visit to Lagos House on Saturday, NAHCON scored this year’s Hajj operations of Lagos state high.

     

     

     

  • Be of good conduct, Ambode urges Lagos pilgrims

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged intending pilgrims from the state to this year’s Hajj to be good ambassadors, assuring them of adequate welfare package.

    The governor spoke at a seminar for intending pilgrims held at the LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Lagos.

    Ambode urged them to take advantage of the lectures and orientation programmes put together for their spiritual development.

    He added that they should be mindful of the image of the state and country during their interactions with fellow pilgrims and others in the holy land.

    The governor said it was gratifying that of the 66,000 pilgrims from Nigeria to this year’s Hajj, 3,047 are residents of Lagos, making the state the highest in the Southwest region.

    He said the state was in dire need of men and women who have the fear of God and demonstrate religious tolerance and ready to sacrifice all they have for its growth and development.

    “I am particularly hopeful that you will all take advantage of the spiritual benefit of Hajj to imbibe the exalted qualities of the holy Prophet Muhammed,” he said.

    Ambode said he approved several welfare packages to ensure that the safety and security of all pilgrims from the state were safeguarded and not endangered.

    The guest lecturer, Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf, who spoke on the theme, entitled: “Socio-Economic and Ambassadorial Implications of Hajj”, urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors urging them to comport themselves while on the exercise