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Ogun State Government has pledged its support to the new Hajj saving scheme introduced by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, aimed at addressing the financial challenges intending pilgrims encounter during hajj exercise.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known in his address during a one day sensitization programme on HAJJ savings scheme in the State organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON in collaboration with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, held at the Obas Complex, Oke mosan, Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Gov Abiodun commended NAHCON for the Hajj savings Scheme, saying it was in tandem with his administration's policy of inclusiveness, fairness, equity, justice and rule of law, which was aimed at providing the needed prosperity for the people of Ogun State.
While saying that his government would continue to ensure that citizens of the state practice their religion without hindrance or harrassment, he assured of his administration's continued support for the Scheme, urging all Muslim faithful particularly those preparing for the next Hajj Exercise to immediately key into the advantages of the Hajj savings scheme as presented.
He revealed that performance of Hajj will further deepen the spiritual well-being of the people, strengthen their fear towards their creator and make them more patriotic in their disposition to the Government of the day.
“ A patriotic citizenry will support and cooperate with their government, perform their civic responsibilities and ensure peaceful co-existence with others" he said.
Governor Abiodun however, called for well meaning individuals and corporations to partner with it in the fulfilment of its bid to boost the socio- economic growth of Ogun State.
In his welcome address the Secretary to the State government Mr Tokunbo Talabi, represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Salisu Afolabi Shaiub, said the sensitization scheme programme was a revival of culture people of the state was known for, while assuring the organizers of government’s support towards successful implementation.
He added that the state is known for excellent in all spheres of life and will continue to remain the first .
In her opening remarks, NAHCON Southwest coordinator, Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, who represented the NAHCON Chairman, Barr. Sikirulai Kunle Hassan, said the saving scheme is a new initiative aimed at addressing the financial challenges intending pilgrims are facing during Hajj exercise, while appealing to religious leaders to use the medium to reach out to their members so that they can be aware of the saving scheme and take advantage of it.
Also speaking the National Coordinator of Hajj saving scheme, Dr Aliyu Tanko, said the journey of the saving scheme started in Nigeria in 2009 by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to facilitate the process of going to Hajj without pilgrims selling their properties or leasing out their asssets and its a scheme open to all including market men and women, noting that the scheme has
been in existence in Malaysia since 1963 where it was originated by Malaysian government to assist its pilgrims.
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