....As Mutfwang releases N155m to settle deposits of intending Pilgrims backlog


About 1,232 Muslim intending Pilgrims from Plateau State were set to depart and perform the 2024 Hajj operation at the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in fulfillment of an Islamic religious obligation.

The Executive Secretary, Plateau State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda said Governor Mutfwang led administration  sponsored 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims from the state.

The chief scribe of the Board made this known on Saturday during the farewell ceremony of Plateau contingents to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.

According to him, "Hajj is the fifth of the pillars of Islam which is prescribed upon every Muslim who has the privilege and freedom to embark on it once in their lifetime."

Narrating some of the success recorded, secretary of the board revealed that Governor Mutfwang had approved the sum of N155,000,000.00 for settlement of backlog of intending Pilgrims' deposits that were misused by the previous administration of Senator Simon Lalong.

"Without release of the said funds to clear the backlog, many of the intending Pilgrims could not have been here today for the 2024 Hajj.

"The State government secured a Bank loan of N2 billion to enable the Board obtain the needed number of Hajj slots from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)  before the intending Pilgrims from the state made their deposits.

"The State Government has been paying the interest on the loan. We have paid about N1.6 billion now."

He acknowledged that the welfare and accommodation of the intending Pilgrims is intact, and challenged them to adhere to the rules and regulations of Hajj and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as any contrary behavior will not be tolerated.

While appreciating Governor Mutfwang's continued support to the Board for effective service delivery, he appealed to the Governor to consider employment of more staff into the Board, noting that only seven are permanent members of staff while majority are casuals.

Our correspondent reports that, the first set of pilgrim contingents will be departing Plateau on Monday 20th May, 2024, thereafter other participants will follow.