Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB), has expressed its commitment towards promoting Hajj savings scheme, aimed at making holy pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for intending Pilgrims.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, stated this while speaking during the sensitisation programme at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

"We are excited about the Hajj Savings Scheme and its potentials to transform the way we prepare for Hajj. As a Board, we will promote the scheme through various channels, including social media, mosques, and community centres, we will also collaborate with Islamic organisations and stakeholders at spreading the knowledge about the scheme to all intending pilgrims in the State," he said.

Ajibola emphasised that, the Board would work closely with the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) to ensure the success of the scheme.

"The Board will provide support and guidance to intending pilgrims, and ensure that, they are aware of the benefits and requirements of the scheme.”

In his remarks, HSS Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Abdulmumeen, urged intending pilgrims in the State to register for the scheme, saying, "it is a game-changer for Nigerian Pilgrims and it's been regulated and supervised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

"It allows intending pilgrims to open an account with designated Islamic banks, including Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, Alternative Bank and Tag Bank. Pilgrims can save gradually for Hajj, with no minimum or maximum savings limit. This Scheme is designed to promote financial inclusion, particularly for rural dwellers, farmers, businessmen, and low-income earners," he explained.

Speaking further, Dr. Aliyu said the Scheme would provide a steady stream of fund for State Pilgrims Board, enable them to plan and prepare adequately for Hajj activities, noting that pilgrims could save as much and as little they like.

Aliyu, added that the scheme was transparent, secured and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and insured with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), assuring that, pilgrims’ savings were safe with designated banks.

He advised stakeholders to embrace the scheme and mobilise their followers to participate, adding that, several measures were in place to ensure its accountability.

"We are urging all intending pilgrims to take advantage of this Scheme and start saving for Hajj exercise," he said.

In their separate remarks, Imam ldris Akibu and Alhaji Mukaila Jimoh, stakeholder and intending pilgrim, respectively, appreciated the State government and NAHCON for introducing the Scheme, saying that anything related to Hajj should be a focus for Muslims.

They advised all intending pilgrims, who wish to participate in the coming Hajj to join the HSS, noting that it was an eye opener to the benefits of the scheme.