3 Govs Welcome Hajj Savings Scheme
Message train lands in Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau StatesÂ
BY COBHAM NSA – The Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) message by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Jaiz Bank Plc continues to gain nationwide acceptance with three more states keying into the project.
Latest on the list of States that have embraced the newly introduced Scheme packaged to ease hajj process for all Muslims in Nigeria are Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau with concrete pledge of support towards its success.
Governors of the three states. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi; Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and Simon Lalong of Plateau gave their endorsement at the HSS’ launch and sensitisation exercise in their respective states during the week.
For Governor Bala, who personally flagged-off the HSS in Bauchi, on behalf of the North-East zone, the arrangement will not only make it easier for intending pilgrims to perform hajj in Saudi Arabia, but also funds realised through the Scheme will be invested in halal products to generate profits for the savers.
He encouraged Muslim faithfuls to embrace the scheme which has the potentials of serving as the much-needed reserves to help grow the economy.
“It would introduce a level of financial discipline, especially for people in the rural areas. I assure you of our unflinching support for the welfare of the pilgrims. I advise jaiz bank to judiciously use the funds. We have never doubted Jaiz Bank and they are making us proud”, the governor said.
In Gombe State, Governor Inuwa, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abubakar Njodi, said the administration will work with NAHCON and Jaiz Bank so that low income earners in the state can reap inherent benefits from the Scheme.
He described the scheme as an excellent move that will help individual Muslims to actualise their dreams of performing one of the important pillars of Islam, the Hajj.
The governor therefore canvassed sustained sensitisation and awareness creation campaigns at the grassroot in order to reach targeted groups.
On his part, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong described the HSS as an initiative that will encourage more Muslims to perform Hajj without going through difficulties of securing the required funding.
Represented by his Commissioner of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Mohmammed, the governor further said the Scheme will also promote discipline and teach intending pilgrims the habit of being financially prudent.
In his remarks at the events, Managing Director and CEO of Jaiz Bank Plc, Mallam Hassan Usman said with the Scheme growing over time, NAHCON and the various State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards can have the liquid funds required to effectively plan hajj operations early, while als securing better bargain for accommodation and other services for their pilgrims.
He said the ultimate plan is that the scheme becomes key in making the Pilgrims financially independent and highly self-sustaining in the long run.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Barrister Zikirullah Kunle Hassan said the scheme reflects areas of reforms aimed at making hajj operations aligns with the global best practice.
He said under the HSS, subscribers will get rewards for their intentions even before actualising the journey.
The NAHCON boss also said the good news is that every Muslim can participate and have the opportunity to perform the holy pilgrimage without having to sell off his or her assets.
