2018 Hajj: FCT completes third phase orientation

In its bid to ensure that intending Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attain an acceptable hajj this year, the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja has concluded arrangements to conduct the third and the final phases of orientation exercise.

According to the spokesperson of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, the exercise include theoretical and practical aspects of hajj to enlighten the Intending Pilgrims on hajj rites and policies introduced by relevant authorities for the hajj operation.

The Spokesperson added that Intending Pilgrims within the territory at the end of the training are expected to be acquainted with the dos and don’ts of hajj operation especially while at the holy land.

He disclosed that the Orientation exercise which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July at the permanent hajj camp, Bassan Jiwa near the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja would serve as the final educational arrangement before the exercise.

Muhammad Lawal Aliyu further stated that the board had already mobilized Islamic scholars within the territory to train the intending pilgrims using various local languages of the FCT for effective and efficient learning processes of the Hajj exercise.

He disclosed that the Board had already concluded medical screening of its intending pilgrims and has since commenced the process of acquiring visa through Saudi Arabian portal via National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

He explained that the board is due to end registration of this year’s Intending Pilgrims on Wednesday 27th June to abide by the deadline set up by the NAHCON on the registration.

He said the board is set to conduct inoculation of this year’s Intending Pilgrims on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July in order to acquire the “Yellow Card” travel documents in conformity with International Travel practices.

Mr. Aliyu, therefore, warned intending pilgrims who have completed their payment and are yet to submit their e-passport to do so before the deadline or stand the risk of losing the hajj seat.

He also stated that those who have made deposit and are yet to complete their payment after the release of the actual hajj fare by the federal government to do so before the expiration of the said date.