Mallam Abubakar Salihu
The Permanent Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Board, Mallam Abubakar Salihu who disclosed this during a press briefing, said already befitting accommodation close to Haram has been secured for this year’s intending Pilgrims from Adamawa.
He said one thousand, seven hundred seats were allocated to Adamawa state, adding that so far, one thousand and fourteen intending pilgrims have commenced payment of the fare.
According to the Executive Secretary, two hundred and fifty intending pilgrims have paid their fares in full and appealed to others yet to complete payment to do so in good time.
Mallam Abubakar Salihu explained that although the total Hajj fare for this year has not been announced, the Board is collecting one million, four hundred and fifty-nine thousand naira, being the amount for Hajj seat last year, pending the official announcement of the actual fare by the NAHCON.
The Executive Secretary said despite the global CONVID-19 pandemic, the Board has put in place measures to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise later this year.
He pointed out that the Board will use the mass media in enlightening its intending pilgrims on Hajj activities, adding that relevant authorities such as the Immigration service and the NDLEA among others have been contacted by the Board to ensure a successful exercise.
Commenting on whether the Hajj will hold or not, the Executive Secretary pointed out that there is no final announcement from Saudi authorities suspending the exercise for the year.
Mallam Abubakar Salihu said the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, has instructed Pilgrims Welfare Boards across Nigeria to continue with necessary preparations for the exercise.
The Executive Secretary called on Muslims to observe personal hygiene through regular hand washing and maintaining social distancing among others to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
Courtesy of:
Department of Public Communications,
ADSMPWB,
Yola.
