The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pilgrims

  • Lagos airlifts 804 pilgrims

    Lagos airlifts 804 pilgrims

    The Lagos State Government has commenced the airlift of its pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

    The first batch of 486 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was airlifted at exactly 9.14am yesterday aboard a Medview Airline Boeing 747/400.

    The pilgrims who wore uniforms (Aso Ebi) made from Ankara fabric departed the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos under the supervision of Home Affairs Commissioner and the Amirul Hajj, Dr Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef.

    They (pilgrims) were drawn from seven local government areas of the state including Agege, Ajeromi, Alimosho, Amuwo- Odofin, Apapa, Badagry and Ojo.

    The second batch 318 intending pilgrims on board Medview Airline Boeing 722 also left for the Holy Land few hours after the first departure.

    Addressing the pilgrims before departure, Abdul-Lateef urged them to avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country.

    He warned them against taking any prohibited items to the holyland as Saudi Arabia authority would not hesitate to prosecute law breakers.

    Dr Abdul-Lateef urged the pilgrims to pray for the country as efforts have been made to ensure a hitch-free hajj.

    A total of 2,292 intending pilgrims from Lagos State are expected to partake in this year’s hajj.

  • 3,000 pilgrims arrive Saudi

    3,000 pilgrims arrive Saudi

    Three thousand pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday for the 2016 hajj, it was learnt.

    Executive Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    He said the pilgrims, who were transported through Sokoto, Lagos and Abuja international airports, were from Zamfara, Osun, Oyo, Kwara and Kogi states.

    “We have over 3,000 pilgrims in the holy land; they are in Medina and observing their pilgrimage rites under the guidance of our officials and medical team.

    “We hope before the next 24 hours, four more flights will land in Saudi,” Mohammed said. He said arrangements have been made to ensure quick response to emergencies, adding that identification of pilgrims have also been made easy in case of stampede.

    “Because of that, we decided to introduce an electronic wristband that will contain personal and medical data of each pilgrim.

    “The wristband has a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, SOS button alert and a wristwatch, which will be given to each pilgrim at N8,400,” Mohammed said.

    He hinted that the DNA sample of each pilgrim was also collected to aid identification in case of emergency.

  • Aregbesola urges intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria

    Aregbesola urges intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia to pray for the economic revival of Nigeria during the holy pilgrimage.

    Addressing the 724 intending pilgrims from the state at a farewell programme organised for them in Osogbo, the state capital, he said the economic hardship facing the country required the prayers of all and sundry.

    He said: “Nigeria’s economic situation needs the prayers of all and sundry for us to survive this situation we are in today. I believe as you are going to the holy land, God will answer your prayers. So, I appeal to you to please remember Nigeria and Osun State in your prayers while you are in Saudi Arabia.

    “With God, all things are possible. We need to redirect our steps as a country and turn to God and be sincere as well. Nigeria can be great again. I congratulate you for being able to embark on this journey of spiritual rebirth despite the harsh economic situation the country is facing.

    “I want you to maximise every minute of your spiritual journey to the holy land and pray for yourselves and the growth of Nigeria. The holy Land of Mecca is a place where whatever you ask from God shall be granted; I implore you to make use of every minute of the period you will be spending there to seek the face of God.”

    In his goodwill message, the Southwest Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission, Imam Fua’ad Adeyemi, noted that the organisation of Hajj programmes in Osun was commendable.

    He explained that over the years, pilgrims from Osun State have always stood out with good virtues while at the holy land.

  • CBN sells forex to pilgrims at N197

    CBN sells forex to pilgrims at N197

    Intending Pilgrims  for this year’s Hajj will access dollar from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at a concessionary exchange rate of N197 to dollar.

    A circular to all authorised dealers signed by CBN Acting Director, Trade and Exchange, W.D. Gotring, said each pilgrim is entitled to purchase a minimum of $750 and a maximum of $1,000 as Personal Travel Allowance (PTA).

    “The Federal Government has approved that intending pilgrims are to be sold the PTA at a concessionary exchange rate of N197 to the dollar. No commission shall be charged by the banks for the sale of PTA to the intending pilgrims,” he said.

    He explained that the CBN shall sale the PTA to the designated banks in Lagos and Abuja and the accounts of the respective banks shall be debited as soon as the funds are disbursed.

    “Each designated bank is required to sell to the CBN the unutilised funds not later than two weeks from the date of the last inward flight to Nigeria from Jedda, while the accounts of the banks shall be credited promptly.

    The approved banks for the exercise are Union Bank, Unity Bank, United Bank for Africa, First City Monument Bank, Sterling Bank, GTBank, Sterling Bank, Skye Bank among others,” he said.

     

     

  • Kaduna Hajj board to refund N140m to pilgrims

    The Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (KSMPWB) will this week, refund over N140 million to the 2014 and 2015 pilgrims.

    Overseer Imam Husaini Sulaiman Tsoho spoke while briefing the disbursement committee.

    A statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi said the money was sent to the board by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for services not rendered at the Holy Land.

    Abdullahi said each of the 2014 pilgrim will be paid N3,540, while 2015 pilgrims will get over N20,000 as part of refunds for transportation, feeding and other services.  He said the affected pilgrims should contact their registration officers for screening and then proceed to their registration centres with their International Passports with the 2014 or 2015 Hajj visa on it.

  • 3,047 pilgrims to benefit from N50m refund

    3,047 pilgrims to benefit from N50m refund

    •2016 Hajj fee is N1.2million

    The Lagos State Government is to get a N50 million refund from the Federal Government on last year’s Hajj operation.

    Some 3,047 pilgrims from the state will benefit from the refund, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said at a Stakeholders meeting in Ikeja last Saturday.

    This is sequel to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to return the unspent funds to the owners.

    The commissioner explained that the money was meant for feeding and other benefits not provided for pilgrims during the exercise.

    He said the pilgrims would get N16,000 each.

    AbdulLateef said: “I am glad to inform you that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved the refund of the money as soon as the NAHCON returns the unspent money.

    “This is to tell Lagosians that the present administration doesn’t joke with transparency promised during the campaign.”

    AbdulLateef thanked President Buhari and the commission for the decision.

    Speaking on arrangements for the 2016 exercise, he said intending pilgrims would pay N1.2 million.

    He noted that the state had earlier announced N950,000 but said the N250,000 difference was due to hike in accommodation and other essential needs in Saudi Arabia.

    “Saudi authority has increased fees items by 30 per cent which they attributed to the fall in oil prices in the world. Here in Nigeria, the usual concession on the purchase of dollars by pilgrims from the Federal Government has also been stopped.

    “The government has assured pilgrims that one dollar will be sold to them at the official rate of N197. Each pilgrim will be allowed to purchase a maximum of $1,000 at official rate,” he said.

    The commissioner assured pilgrims that the government would strive to make them comfortable, adding that there are provisions for replacements if any intending pilgrim withdraws because of inability to pay the balance to make up for the 2016 Hajj fees.

  • Lagos bans sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca, Jerusalem

    Lagos bans sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca, Jerusalem

    Lagos State Government Thursday said it will no longer sponsor Muslims or Christians pilgrims who embark on pilgrimages to Mecca in Saudi Arabia or Jerusalem in Israel, saying it was not a responsible way to spend tax payers’ money.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs in the State, Hon. Abdulateef Abdulhakeem, who disclosed this when members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Home Affairs, led by Hon. Olayiwola Olawale, paid a visit to the ministry in furtherance of their oversight function, said the government decided to ban the sponsorship because it amounts to injustice for certain individuals to continue to benefit from the government to the detriment of other numerous members of the society.

    Abdulhakeem said, “Part of our mandate is the supervision of the Pilgrims Welfare Board. Recently the governor and the state executive council approved a policy for the state to stop sponsorship of pilgrimages and that is line with the policy thrust of the government and what the State House of Assembly also speaks to.

    “In this day and time when we are talking about paucity of funds coupled with inhibiting challenges that the government has to take care of. We can no-longer afford to spend the sum of one million on one single individual to go on pilgrimage when the scripture did not compel anyone to do so.

    “So it is most irresponsible way of spending tax payer’s money. That is why the government has taken a solid decision that we will be accountable and responsible for every kobo that the tax payers pay to the government. It is an injustice for the government to be spending millions on group of people when millions of Lagosians are yearning for government’s attention.”

    He said state government has commenced the process of gathering data of religious organizations and their locations in the state to be able to set standards give orientation and provide security for them.

    According to him, there is a symbiotic relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government in the state, while thanking the Assembly for the quick passage of the 2016 Budget.

    “Your resolution is a compulsion it is not advisory. Even your motion that Mile 12 Market should be relocated to another area is being considered by the state government. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been restructured and some of its duties have been given to other MDAs.

    Responding to the development, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Home Affairs, Hon. Olayiwola Olawale, said the decision was laudable, saying the Assembly was ready to back it with the necessary legislation.

    He said the visit of the committee to the ministry was homecoming, adding that the commissioner was a man of integrity and that the committee would work hand-in-hand with the ministry.

  • Hajj stampede: Saudi to determine status of 35 missing Nigerian pilgrims

    Hajj stampede: Saudi to determine status of 35 missing Nigerian pilgrims

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday said Saudi Arabia will soon determine the status of 35 Nigerian pilgrims declared  missing after last year’s Hajj stampede.

    It also said the Saudi government has retained 76,000 quota given to the country.

    The Secretary to NAHCON, Dr. Bello Tambuwal, said last night that 280 Nigerians died in the twin tragedies of 11th and 24th of September, 2015.

    The statement said: “Saudi Arabian Authorities have promised to expedite action in determining the status of 35 Nigerian pilgrims declared missing in the aftermath of the stampede that occurred in Mina, Saudi Arabia during the just concluded Hajj 2015 exercise. “This promise was made during a Ministerial Meeting held between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    “The meeting, which kick-started Hajj 2016 preparatory activities witnessed the Saudi Arabian delegation, led by The Minister of Hajj, Dr Bandar Bn Muhammad Al Hajjar and Nigeria’s Delegation led by Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim discussing the 2015 Hajj operations and preparations for Hajj 2016.

    “The Saudi delegation also  comprised  representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Hajj, Interior and other agencies.

    “The Nigerian delegation comprised Executive Members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) led by its Chairman and Chief Executive, Barr. Abdullahi Muktar Muhammad and the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Muhtar Usman.

    “The Nigerian Delegation had earlier on, condoled Saudi Arabia on the twin tragedies that occurred on the 11th and 24th of September, 2015 which claimed many lives including 280 Nigerians.”

    The statement explained that  Saudi Arabia promised to look into the demands of NAHCON including moving closer to Jamaraat, better tent facilities in Mina and finding solutions to the high cost of Umrah.

    The statement added: “The NAHCON Chairman informed the meeting of the Commission’s plans to embark on nation-wide enlightenment activities of pilgrims and its resolve to establish a Hajj Institute for professional training of Hajj Managers in Nigeria.

    “The Saudi delegation emphasized the need for proper enlightenment of pilgrims and promised to cooperate with the commission towards enhanced services to pilgrims. “Similarly the Saudi delegation promised to address Nigeria’s request to be moved closer to Jamaraat area and better tent facilities in Mina and Arafat. It also agreed to meet with the commission at a later time to discuss and find solutions to the high cost of Umrah and other challenges of the exercise,

    “Meanwhile, the quota of Nigeria for the 2016 Hajj remains 76,000 slots pending the outcome of a Committee set up by the Saudi Government to review the allocation of slots to all countries once the Haram expansion project is concluded.”

  • Lagos launches pilgrims depository scheme

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will today launch the Hajj Depository Scheme.

    The initiative will enable intending pilgrims to save towards the pilgrimage to Mecca.

    The event will hold at De-Renaissance Hotel in Alausa, Ikeja.

    According to Home Affairs Commissioner Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, the scheme is fashioned after what is obtained in some Muslim countries, such as, Indonesia and Malaysia.

    He said Al-Barka Micro Finance Bank will be in charge of the scheme.

    The commissioner said two service providers – Med View Air Line and Kausara Travels and Tours- would be honoured on the occasion.

  • Two Oyo pilgrims arrested

    Two Oyo pilgrims arrested

    Two of the 1,191 pilgrims from Oyo State have been arrested by the Saudi Arabian authorities for drug-related offences.

    The Secretary, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Adeleke AbdulKareem, made this known in an interview in Ibadan, the state capital yesterday.

    Quoting the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), an online medium, newspeakonline.com, reported Abdulkareem as saying that the affected pilgrims were women, adding that one of them escaped. The other is still in detention.

    He said Tramador, a contraband drug in Saudi Arabia, against which the pilgrims had been warned, was found on the pilgrims, prompting their arrest.

    Abdulkareem added that two other pilgrims died due to ill-health before Arafat Day.

    He said the last batch of pilgrims from the state arrived Nigeria on October 11.

    He advised pilgrims to always comply with the rules and regulation of the Saudi authorities to avoid being arrested or tarnishing the country’s image.