2014 Hajj: FCT begins orientation for intending pilgrims June

By Maryam Garba Hassan

Arrangements have been concluded for the first phase of education and orientation exercise for this year’s hajj intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the area councils’ level.

Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Hajiya Fatima Sulaiman Gumi disclosed this at the weekend.

She said Muslim scholars have been mobilised for the exercise, which will take place across the six area councils of the territory, adding that the exercise would be conducted in three phases to enable the intending pilgrims get enlightened on hajj rites.

She said the exercise will also enable the intending pilgrims to know the new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Director advised the intending pilgrims to participate in the three exercises, which is scheduled to commence next month before the month of Ramadan.

She, therefore, warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms to as a matter of urgency return them to enable the Board process their travel documents or risk the chance of performing hajj this year.

In another development, the Board has concluded arrangements to begin a radio enlightenment programme for the intending pilgrims.

The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the radio programme would be aired through the FCTA-owned radio station (Aso Radio 93.5 FM).

The statement said the radio programme is due to commence on Monday, June 2, and would be aired on Mondays and Fridays from 7.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., starting from June to end of August 2014.

He advised intending pilgrims, particularly first timers, to take advantage of the programme and enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and other important information that would assist them in attaining acceptable Hajj.