From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna
Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced its hajj operations for 2014, with the registration of intending pilgrims for the exercise.
According to the board, only first timers would be given more consideration during the registration exercise.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Emir of Zazzau’s Palace in Zaria, the Board’s Overseer, Alhaji Kasim Kabiru said they were at the palace for the emir to declare the registration open.
He said already 23 Pilgrim officers in the state have been directed to commence registration with immediate effect.
The Overseer warned the pilgrims’ officers to ensure total transparency during the sales to the public, saying only bank draft of 500,000 will be collected from the intending pilgrims not cash.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Religious Affairs Islamic Matters, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mahmoud said the board has a culture of coming every year to inform the emir of the commencement of the registration exercise.
Declaring the event opened, Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris prayed for a successful hajj registration exercise, as he assured the board management of his support while urging those who may not be successful in performing the Hajj exercise to be patient and wait for their turn next year.
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