Taraba Governor enjoins Muslims to key into Hajj Savings Scheme
Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku has called on Muslims wishing to travel for Hajj in the state to key into the hajj savings scheme initiative of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The governor made the call during the launch of the scheme in Jalingo, the Capital city of the state. He said: “Hajj, as you know, is one of the pillars of Islam which every Muslim strives to perform even once in his lifetime, irrespective of the economic situation or social status”.
Governor Ishaku stated that the scheme which is an initiative of the NAHCON in partnership with Ja’ize Bank and the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is a sure way of making Hajj more affordable, accessible and attractive for the Muslim faithful.
The Governor who was represented by state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhassan Hamman Gabdo, explained that the State Government is involved in ensuring that necessary support is giving to ensure hitch free and successful Hajj operations.
“Today, we have gathered here for a sensitization, which would serve as a launching of the Hajj saving scheme in Taraba State, therefore I urged our Muslim faithful to use the opportunity in other to harness the benefits of the scheme.
“I will like to remind you that, this administration encourages programs that have positive socio-economic impact on Tarabans and the Hajj savings is one of such.
In an address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Ja’iz Bank Plc, Hassan Usman represented by a Director in the Bank, Zakari Umar said the event is part of efforts to raise awareness across the country on the benefits of the scheme which was launched on 4th October, 2020 in Kano state with subsequent launch and awareness sessions held in Lagos, Kwara, Oyo, Edo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ekiti, Katsina and Ebonyi States.
According to him, the National Hajj Savings Scheme is a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the Hajj ecosystem in Nigeria, from planning and Funding to the actual operations.
On his part, The Executive Director, NAHCON, Zikirullah Kunle, represented by a Director in the Commission, Aliyu Tanko said the programme has already started in Malaysia, Brunai and now in Nigeria and prayed for the success of the scheme in state and the country at large.
“Savings scheme is an opportunity to all Muslims to become a pilgrim not only in Taraba State, but the nation as a whole. One can start with even as low as N500 and above, depending on one’s strength and can be deposited in any Bank upon opening of account with Ja’ize Bank in any part of the country or the World.
Earlier, The Chairman, Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hamman Adama Tukur, salute the spirit and good intention of the NAHCON for making the scheme a reality in the state.
“I am assuring the National Hajj Commission and their collaborators that the State pilgrims Welfare Board would do its best to ensure the success of the programme.