Entertainment & Lifestyle

HAJJ 2020: What Lagos State Govt Asked Intending Pilgrims To Do

After the long uncertainty on Hajj 2020 pilgrimage, the Lagos State Government has appealed intending pilgrims of Hajj 2020 to postpone their hajj plan until the year 2021.

Brandnewsday learned that this was part of the major resolutions agreed on by the State government, the intending Pilgrims, Ulamahs (Islamic scholars) and other stakeholders, during a one-day sensitisation programme on the future of the year Hajj 2020 operation, held at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Consequently, the Saudi Arabian authority banned the international pilgrims from performing the year 2020 pilgrimage due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Advertisement

Hajji 2020

Speaking on the cancellation of Hajj 2020, the Honourable. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, appreciated the Saudi authority for taking such a difficult decision in order to contain the continues spread of COVID-19. Adding that the Saudi authority considering the large number of people that would have performed the pilgrimage in Makkah and Medina.

Elegushi reiterated that performing 2020 holy pilgrimage in the face of the pandemic might have been a severe decision. Although many people would be rejected the opportunity in the application process. He stressed that waiting till next hajj when the pandemic should have subsided is a better option.

The Commissioner said as a government that is responsible for its people, no pilgrims would be denied their legitimate right to seek a refund of the hajj fare already paid.

Advertisement

Hajj 2020 Money Refund

Meanwhile, Elegushi appealed pilgrims to leave the money in government’s coffer, as payment for the exercise in 2021 in order to be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking further, he urged those who have not completed their payments to do so quickly to secure their chances. As the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will have their records. Urging pilgrims not to change their intention because of the present situation.

READ: Lagos State Government Lists Businesses That Must Remain Closed After May 4 (See Full List)

He also emphasised that it might not be easy for anybody seeking a refund to recoup the money between now and November 2020, when the year 2021 hajj operations will begin, assuring that the money is very safe with the State government.

Advertisement

While answering questions on the possibility of increment for the year 2021 hajj fare, Elegushi remarked that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) fixes hajj fares and not the State government, noting that one of the goals of the current Chairman of NAHCON, Barr. Kunle Hassan is to secure a reduction in the hajj fare so as to make it affordable for intending pilgrims.

On medical screening, Elegushi averred that all the intending pilgrims will be made to undergo a fresh screening at the appropriate time, stating that intending pilgrims can retrieve their international passport for any other use.

COVID-19 in Nigeria

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebunmi Adekanye implored the intending pilgrims and Lagosians to follow all the health protocols regarding COVID-19 pandemic, as it is real.

Advertisement
Facebook Comments
Adebayo

Adebayo is a Content Developer and website manager who loves to learn, unlearn and relearn. He has a knack for exploring the tech world. He is always thirsty to learn as the tech ecosystem evolves every day.

Recent Posts

Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Air, Slick, Slimmer Than Previous Models (PHOTOS)

Apple Inc is set to present a slimmer iPhone 17 Air model, marking a potential…

2 weeks ago

Six-Year-Old Ella Shoots, Kills American Police Officer In Mother’s Defense

A six-year-old girl, Ella, fatally shot a 28-year-old American police officer last month after witnessing…

2 weeks ago

LIRS Urges Taxpayers To Meet March 31 Deadline For Annual Tax Return Submission

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) reminds all individual taxpayers, including self-employed individuals, those…

2 weeks ago

Stanbic IBTC Bank Partners Autochek To Boosts Car Ownership, Disburses N4Bn

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a prominent financial institution in Nigeria, has partnered with Autochek, an innovative…

3 weeks ago

Stanbic IBTC PMI®: Output Growth Accelerates To Fastest In Just Over One Year

The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC PMI® - Purchasing Managers’…

3 weeks ago

Stanbic IBTC Bank Reintroduces Its Private Banking Offerings To Empower Nigerians Build Lasting Wealth

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and a leading financial service solutions…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.