Jaiz, NAHCON Take Hajj Savings Message To Kwara, Oyo
BY COBHAM NSA – Jaiz Bank Plc and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have taken the Hajj Savings Scheme message to Kwara and Oyo States with assurances that their Muslim population will henceforth find it easier to visit Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.
With many stakeholders in attendance, both organisations arranged the launch and awareness sensitisation in Ilorin on January 27 and Ibadan on January 28, 2021 to drive home their reassuring message of performing hajj with ease.
Speaking at the two occasions, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank, Hassan Usman, described the National Hajj Savings Scheme (NHSS) as a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the hajj ecosystem in Nigeria.
Usman, who was represented by Ismaila Adamu, said the arrangement stemmed from the fact that “from planning, funding to actual operations, the scheme has the potentials to positively affect every act and actor in the process.
“With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualize their dream without stress by saving gradually.”
The Jaiz Bank boss said even those who do not live long enough to complete their savings might still in “Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj because they are pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.”
In his remarks, Chairman of NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Kunle Hassan thanked the governments of both states for hosting the HSS launch, highlighting its numerous benefits to include assisting the less-privilege to save money overtime for hajj as well as profits earnings from their savings.
Represented Hajiya Halima Jibril, the Commission chairman said: “You don’t have to sell your farmland to go to hajj as the scheme will make hajj fare affordable.”
Also speaking at the event in Ilorin, the Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen said it is not easy carrying people along “but with sincerity of mind and physical commitments, the success and accomplishment will be achieved.”
In his remarks, Secretary to Kwara State Government, Professor Mammah Saba Jibril, applauded the initiative, saying; “with this sharia compliant scheme, intending pilgrims can now save for Hajj overtime and even specify when they intend to go for Hajj.”
According to him; “It will also no doubt raise the hope of less privileged Muslims Ummahs to participate in the Hajj exercise by gradual deposit for Hajj.”
In Ibadan, the Chairman of Oyo state Muslims Welfare Board, Professor Sayed Tunde Malik said the scheme has huge potential of promoting financial inclusion and urged all Muslims to embrace the programme
For Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Bisi Alaka, it is indeed heart-warming that the scheme launch is taking place during his tenure as the State chief Executive.
“It is an initiative that would ensure discipline and teaches pilgrims financial inclusion.
“We will continue to implement policies that would promote the welfare of people of the state. I therefore urge all Muslims in the state to subscribe to the scheme”, he assured.
