KATSINA STATE PILGRIMS WELFARE BOARD ANNOUCE 2023 HAJJ SLOTS
By Kabir Ahmed S/Kuka
The Executive Director of Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki announced the 2023 Hajj allocations to intended pilgrims in the State. The total number of 4,913 hajj slots was allocated to the State by NAHCON.
During press briefing in his office, Alhaji Sulemain said, "before I go further, I would like to refresh our memories on some important activities we have undertaken to facilitate smoot conclusion of all outstanding issues concerning 2022 Hajj Operations and laid a solid foundation for smooth conduct of upcoming 2023 Hajj Operations".
The Executive Director mentioned some of the achievements done so far, like success in all reconciliation between the Board and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on the financial proceedings of last 2022 Hajj, paving the way for the Board to refund deposits and Hajj fare to intending pilgrims who did not perform the Hajj for some obvious reasons, and the on-going refund excess Hajj fare balance to the pilgrims who performed the Hajj but paid the sum 2.5 million naira projected fare.
Also, a high powered team comprising senior officials of the State Government and the Board were in Saudi Arabia together with NAHCON and Officials from other States to join in the scheduled first pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The visit has been successful outing for both NAHCON and States and had translated into the restoration of 95,000 Nigeria's Hajj slots allocation and also created an avenue for better understanding assurances and negotiations with Service Providers, all aimed at providing efficient welfare services to the 2023 pilgrims.
They also submitted the 2022 Haj Report to the State Government, detailing the proceedings of the entire operations for considerations.
Mr. Kuka also said, "if you may recall in December last year,I informed you of His Excellency's approval to the Board to commence tne 2023 Hajj pilgrims registration and deposit collection across the State on the basis of the provisional fiqure of 3,300 Hajj seats pending the receipt of the approved states alocaton from NAHCON. The purpose of the approval then was to facilitate early planning and commencement of the exercise".
"Consequently, by the receipt of the 95,000 Hajj seats from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has allocated 4,913 slots to Katsina State on the basis of its past performances. At this juncture therefore, I wish to inform you that, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Katsina State Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, in line with new figure, approved the revised distribution made to the 34 Local Government Areas to effectively mobilise and facilitate continuous registration of intending pilgrims across the State.
"So far, the registration exercise is going on smoothly as planned. It is our prayers
that, all those wishing to pay their deposits will use this window of opportunity to come out in mass to register on time as priority will be accorded on the basis of first to come first to serve basis. it is also equally important to state that, pending the announcement of the approved 2023 Hajj fares by the NAHCON. The minimum deposit remained the sum of 2.5 Million Naira, hence, all depositors with level of payments less than that amount, are implored to top up their payments immediately as doing so will assist the Board settle the required remittance of 50% to the Commission to guarantee the State allocation. This should be done with immediate effect to comply with NAHCON deadline.
The Executive Director adding that accomplishments so far is in line with their desire to achieve a hitch free 2023 Hajj operations and very soon they shall unveil their plan for elaborate pilgrims education and enlightenment programmes using the available medium and physically at the Zones.
"We are also committed to work meticulously in accordance to the provisions of the 2023 Hajj Calendar of Events provided by the NAHCON to achieve the desired result. In this vein, I beseech for the co-operation of the intending pilgrims and all other Stakeholders.
On behalf of the Board, the Executive Director Alhaji Sulemain Nuhu Kuki extended their sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, and the good Government of Katsina State for the unflinching support to the Board at the turn of every event.