Press Release
The Executive Secretary Niger State Pilgrims welfare Board, Sheikh Mohammad Awwal Aliyu has announced an initial deposit of N4.5 million for intending pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary made the pronouncement during the flag off of the activities of the 2024 Hajji Exercise and issuance of Seat allocation letters to Area Pilgrim Welfare Officers (APWOs) at the Board’s conference hall, in Minna.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring a successful and smooth Hajj operations for the pilgrims from Niger State.
He also warned the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officers from the 25 LGAs against collection of cash and sales of forms to intending pilgrims.
Sheikh Mohammad Awwal Aliyu lamented over the series of reports of extortions from different angles against APWOs, saying that the Board will no longer condone such acts and that phone numbers will be provided for intending pilgrims to lay complaints on any challenge.
The Executive Secretary also disclosed that 3,592 seats had been allocated to Niger State by the National Hajj Commission, assuring the public that all eligible applicants would have an equal opportunity to participate in the pilgrimage, regardless of their background or social status.
In his welcome Address, the Chairman House Committee on Religious Affairs in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Isah assured of the State Assembly’s continuous support to see to success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
He also used the occasion to advice the APWOs on the need to refrain from extorting the intending pilgrims that anyone found wanting will face the wrath of the law.
Jibrin Usman Kodo
Information Officer
Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
26/10/2023
