2021 hajj: Katsina pilgrims board begins preparations

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, katsina

Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded plans to commence the 2021 Hajj registration exercise for intending pilgrims.
Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki, the Executive Director of the board who disclosed this during a press briefing yesterday in Katsina said this is as a result of the directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON.
Kuki said the registration exercise of pilgrims would be based on deposits collected during the 2020 hajj slots allocation.
“Final decision shall however be based on the appropriate guidelines to be issued by the Saudi Arabia authorities and the approved hajj slots allocation to Nigeria in due course”.
He reiterated the board’s stand to apply the principle of first come first serve during the registration exercise, promising that, priority would be given to intending pilgrims who have earlier paid the 2020 hajj deposit and willingly rolled over such against the 2021 hajj operations.
While awaiting the approved allocation, Kuki revealed that the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari has approved the commencement of Hajj 2021 pilgrims registration and deposit collection in the state.
He said intending pilgrims are to pay a minimum deposit of N500,000 to be made through certified bank draft to the board, while the registration exercise would be conducted at the seven zonal offices of the board.
The Board’s boss however cautioned intending pilgrims to get acquainted with all the provisions of the registration guidelines to avoid unnecessary mistakes that could lead to the cancellation of their seats.
“The 2021 Hajj depositors must duly sign the newly introduced undertaking form on validation of his/her seat at the point of registration”, he maintained, calling on pilgrims who already have deposits with the board to come forward to make additional payments.
Kuki also advised intending pilgrims avoid making contact with anyone other than the board’s zonal offices for their transactions so as not to fall victims of fraudsters.
While extending the board’s gratitude to Governor Masari for his continued assistance, the state Pilgrims Board boss expressed it’s special thanks to NAHCON, the state Assembly, traditional Rulers and the media for their support to the board’s achievements.