JAIZ, NAHCON launch Hajj savings scheme in two states

Hajj Savings Scheme that would make it easier for Muslims in Nigeria to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj has been launched in Kwara and Oyo States, respectively.

The launch and awareness sensitisation in the two states took place in Ilorin on Wednesday and Thursday in Ibadan on 28th January, 2021, with many stakeholders in attendance.

Speaking on the occasions the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank, Hassan Usman, represented by Ismaila Adamu, said the National Hajj Savings Scheme was a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the hajj ecosystem in Nigeria.

He said the importance of the scheme emanated from the fact that right “from planning, funding to actual operations, the scheme has the potential to positively affect every act and actor in the process.

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“With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualize their dream without stress by saving gradually.”

He explained that “even people who do not live long enough to complete their savings might still in Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj because they are pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.”

Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, represented by Hajiya Halima Jibril thanked the governments of the States for hosting the launch.

She said HSS had several benefits among which was to assist the less privileged to save money overtime to go to hajj; adding that it also included profits earnings from the savings.

She said: “You don’t have to sell your farmland to go to hajj as the scheme will make hajj fare affordable.”

Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen advised that it was not easy carrying people along “but with sincerity of mind and physical commitments, the success and accomplishment will be achieved.”

In his response, the Secretary to Kwara State Government, Prof. Mammah Saba Jibril, welcomed the initiative, saying “with this sharia compliant scheme, intending pilgrims can now save for Hajj overtime and even specify when they intend to go for Hajj. It will also no doubt raise the hope of less privileged Muslims ummahs to participate in the Hajj exercise by gradual deposit for Hajj”

The Chairman of Oyo state Muslims Welfare Board, Prof. Sayed Tunde Malik said the scheme had the potential of bringing about financial inclusion and urged every Muslim to key into the programme

Also speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his CoS, Alhaji Bisi Alaka, welcomed everyone to Ibadan.

He said this wass an important event taking place during his tenure as governor of Oyo State

He said: “It is an initiative that would ensure discipline and teaches pilgrims financial inclusion.

“We will continue to implement policies that would promote the welfare of the people of the state.

“I therefore urge all Muslims in the state to subscribe to the scheme.”