Bauchi Gov, NAHCON launch new saving schemes for NE Pilgrims

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed Abdulkadir has launched the newly introduced Hajj Savings Scheme by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in collaboration with Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Jaiz Bank Plc to enable intending pilgrims from six States in the North East sub region to begin easy payment of Hajj deposits.
The states are; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.
Speaking at the North-east launching /sensitisation of the Hajj scheme at the new Hajj Camp, Adjacent Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport Bauchi on Thursday, Governor Bala
said that keeping pilgrim fund in the newly introduced Hajj scheme is safe, reliable and free from any manipulation, adding, “beside easing the Hajj processes, it will reduce the chances of redirecting the pilgrims’ funds for other activities outside Hajj operations.”
He said the Hajj scheme came at the right time when various governments are withdrawing gradually from sponsoring religious activities, emphasised that Muslims will now be better prepared at their convenience to perform Hajj, being one of the pillars of Islam.
“As a result of global economic melt down, which was further aggravated by COVID 19, it is becoming difficult for the common man to perform Hajj. Infact, some have given up the hope of performing Hajj in their life time, however the scheme we are launching today, provides a platform to make that dream come true.
“The new concept demands that an interested person will open a bank account, after which the money will be used for projects such as investment in agriculture, value chain and voted industries, investment in power and energy, education, housing and health and other critical sectors of the economy”
” At the individual level, besides generating returns for the depositors, Hajj Saving scheme is believed to introduce such level of financial discipline and savings culture for the enrolled members and the generality of our people, especially those living in the rural areas”, he said.