Don’t Patronise Agents, Board Charges Intending Pilgrims

The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Board has advised intending pilgrims to pay the N4.5 million Hajj deposit directly to the board’s account.
The board’s chairman, Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, gave the advice at the weekend while speaking with journalists on the board’s efforts at sensitising Muslims on the January 31 deadline date set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the payment of Hajj fare.
He said although the board has never had any issue with intending pilgrims falling into the hands of fraudsters, it is necessary to make the people aware of what to do in order not to fall victim, adding that agents are not mandated to collect money on behalf of the board.
Sheik Ibrahim said the board has already communicated the new deadline for payment to the Muslims using the media.
“We have co-opted Imams across the state to include Hajj in their Friday sermon so that we can reach all Muslims who have the intention to perform Hajj this year,” he said.
He said they are making final preparations in terms of accommodation, feeding and transportation, and others that will make the Hajj a hitch-free exercise for intending pilgrims.