text: 2023 HAJJ: FCT BEGINS ORIENTATION OF INTENDING PILGRIMS SATURDAY
  The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja is to conduct its first phase of education and orientation exercise for Intending Pilgrims for this year’s hajj on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March 2023.
  A statement by the Spokesperson of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu disclosed that Islamic scholars have already been mobilized for the exercise scheduled to take place at the FCT Permanent Hajj camp located at Basan Jiwa close to the Nnamdi Azikwe Internatinal Airport, Abuja.
  Muhammad Lawal explained that the exercise would be conducted in phases to enable the intending pilgrims get enlightened on the hajj rites as well as new policies introduced for this year’s hajj by the Saudi authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
  The Public Relations Officer advised Intending Pilgrims from the territory for this year’s hajj to participate in all programmes organized by the board aimed to assist them to attain acceptable hajj.
  He advised intending pilgrims particularly the first timers, to take advantage of the exercise and enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and proper guidance to get value for their money.
  He therefore warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passport to do so to enable the Board commence the process of their travel documents.
  Similarly, the statement called on those Intending Pilgrims who have missed last year’s Hajj to update their documentation with the Board while those who deposited less than the minimum 2.5 Million Naira have been requested to top up deposit to book a seat for the 2023 Hajj exercise.
  The Board also requested those who made deposits in respect of previous Hajj but missed the exercise due to any reason to report to the Board with original receipt of payment to declare their interest to participate on this year’s hajj or get refund.
  He explained that the measure became necessary to enable the Board develop the actual list of Intending Pilgrims for the exercise this year.
  The statement disclosed that only Intending Pilgrims who deposited up to the minimum threshold of N2.5 million and above would be shortlisted for this years Hajj from the FCT before the release of the actual Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
  Muhammad Lawal Aliyu
  14TH MARCH, 2023