Nasarawa gov hosts high powered mobilization team for Hajj savings scheme

By Maryam Garba Hassan

Nasarawa gov hosts high powered mobilization team for Hajj Savings Scheme
A high powered mobilization push to canvass for registration into Hajj Savings scheme was yesterday held in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital.
A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Commision’s Head, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said.
According to the statement, the Governor of the state and host, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, while declaring his conviction over the scheme, described it as one of the best options that will rescue the Hajj Industry in Nigeria from government dependency.
He said such well thought schemes are the engines needed to advance the economic well-being of intending pilgrims and government which is gradually phasing out participation in religious matters.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of participants awed at the fact that this is the first time he is witnessing this impressive number of traditional rulers, state executives of pilgrims’ boards and large turnout of Fulanis in one sitting.
The governor further described the impressive attendance as an indication of the scheme’s acceptance in Nasarawa state.
In his opening remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, enumerated the financial gains that will accrue by registering in the scheme for the intending pilgrims and for Hajj operations in Nigeria.
According to him, “the reality for the success of the Scheme however, depends on all to propagate and support it in every way through encouraging people to key into the noble scheme.
“Therefore, as we rise from here today, we must all go to work to preach the message of the Hajj Savings Scheme” the chairman concluded.
The statement further said in addition to the financial gains of the scheme, the Ja’iz Bank Acting Managing Director, while presenting the HSS, expressed optimism over the scheme’s prospect of aiding the Commission and SPWBs in timely and efficient Hajj planning.
Other speakers during the event, such as representative of Hon. Sidi Bage1, who is the Emir of Keffi, Hon. Nalaraba, and Alhaji Idris Almakura, declared support for the Hajj Savings Scheme and encouraged participants to enroll for maximum benefit.
The statement said the mobilizers comprised top notch from the state government, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), State Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SPWB) Jaiz Bank, royal fathers, members of the Ulama, public organizations, revered individuals among others.
The team at the launching and mobilization drive for the scheme in Nasarawa State, was led by the host and Nasarawa state Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule.
The statement said the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe; Ag. Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu; Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barr. Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, Emir of Keffi Dr. Shehu Cindo Yamusa who represented Emir of Lafia and chairman council of chiefs, Hon Justice Sidi Bage1 were in attendance.
Team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria was led by its Chairman, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, while Ja’iz Bank delegation was led by its Acting Managing Director who is the bank’s Executive Director Operations/Chief Financial Officer, Alhaji Abdulfatah Amaoo, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakasai and Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, chairman House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, representative of the Nasarawa House of Assembly speaker were also present.

The event was also attended by other dignitaries such as, Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah, Sangarin Awe, Alhaji Isa Umar, the Sarkin Azara, Dr. Kabiru Muhammad, the Sarkin Gude, Alhaji Sule Bawa, the Sarkin Kwandare, Alhaji Ahmadu Almakura, Sangarin Daddare, Alhaji Balarabe Alhassan, Yakanaji of Uke, Alhaji Ahmed Hassan among others, the statement added.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Executive Secretaries and Chairman of 7 states’ pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions.
There were also in attendance leaders of organized labour and several institutions such as M.D Benue River Basin Authority; state Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), state Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), state leader Market Women’s Association and head of parastatals.