The Chairman, Edo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, has disclosed the 250 intending pilgrims have so far made deposits out of the 412 slots approved for the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Sheik Oyarekhua disclosed this in Benin on Saturday during a meeting with intending pilgrims and other Hajj stakeholders in the state on the 2024 Hajj operation.
According to him, “NAHCON allocates 412 slots to Edo state and about 250 intending pilgrims had made a deposit for the initial N4.5 million.
“But, as at Wednesday when we reconcile our books after the fare announcement, out of the 250 intending pilgrims, 123 have made full payment.”
Sheik Oyarekhua explained that the meeting with intending pilgrims and resource persons was to formally announce to them the final Haj fare for Edo pilgrims which is N4,899,000 million as announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON.”
He added that the meeting was also to let intending pilgrims know that the Hajj exercise regarding fare payment closed by February 12 while all remittance to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj operation must be done on or before February 26.
He noted it was as a result of the development that NAHCON fix the payment deadline for February 12 to enable them remit the money to Saudi authority.
“So anybody who is desirous of performing Hajj this year must pay his or her remaining balance on or before February 12,” he said.
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He explained that going by the rate people are coming forward for to make payment, he is optimistic that the state will exhaust the 412 slots, adding that given to it by NAHCON as those who have been waiting for the fare announcement are coming to make payment
He however expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the ongoing renovation of the Hajj camp and called on the contractor to expedite action on work and complete by middle of April before intending pilgrims to come to the camp
While calling on stakeholders to take the message down to the people, he charged the intending pilgrims to work with the board for a seamless exercise by paying the full amount and furnishing them with necessary documents for the Hajj.