2023 Hajj: FCT-MPWB resumes orientation of intending pilgrims

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following conclusion of the fasting of the Islamic month of Ramadan, the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) is set to resume preparations for this year’s Hajj exercise, with second phase of education and orientation exercise for Intending Pilgrims this weekend (Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April 2023) respectively.
Director of the Board, Mallam Abubakar Adamu Evuti, who disclosed this in Abuja, stated that activities have been outline to actualise the success of the operation and ensure that intending pilgrims are well prepared for the spiritual journey to the holy land of Saudi Arabia.
Evuti, in a statement from the Board’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, explained that the Board would ensure that intending pilgrims get the rudiments of performing hajj in order to have value for their hard-earned money paid to perform the religious obligation.
He also disclosed that intending pilgrims who paid through Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada area councils as well as those who registered through the Hajj Saving Scheme would be trained on Saturday 29th of April while those who registered through the Headquarters, Bwari, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area councils would have their orientation exercise on Sunday, at the permanent Hajj Camp, located at Bassan Jiwa, close to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.
Furthermore, the Director added that, as usual, Islamic scholars and relevant stakeholders have already been mobilized for the exercise scheduled to take place from 8 am each day.
He noted that the orientation exercises that is been conducted in phases would enable the intending pilgrims get enlightened on the hajj rites as well as guidelines and new policies introduced for this year’s hajj by the Saudi authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Director also disclosed that medical screening for the intending pilgrims would be conducted from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May while inoculation exercise for all the intending pilgrims would be conducted from Monday 15th to Wednesday 17th May 2023 inline with the procedure for the trip to Saudi Arabia.
He therefore advised intending pilgrims to participate in all activities earmarked by the Board for proper guidance to get value for their money without any hindrance.
Evuti, however warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passport to do so to enable the Board fast track the process of obtaining their travel documents in good time before the commencement of airlift to Saudi Arabia.