LAGOS PRESENT CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION TO HAJJ 2016 PILGRIMS
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has presented Certificate of Participation to pilgrims who performed 2016 hajj as part of the reward system initiated by the State Government to recognize pilgrims’ exceptional service and good representation in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the presentation, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs who is also the Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj for 2016, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Akeem stated that the gesture is informed by the need to reward the pilgrims whom he described as worthy ambassador of the State.
He stated that most people who embark on such journey to the holy land often abscond or involve themselves in act that can tarnish the image of the State and the country as a whole.
“We hope to continue on our effort in constantly improving the welfare package for our pilgrims and also ensure that the performance of hajj rites is stress free,” he said.
Abdul Lateef also said that people are already taking advantage of some of the reforms and new policies introduced by the board such as “Pay Small- Small”, Regular Standard, “Lagos International” and other initiatives to enhance the success of Hajj exercise in 2017.
Describing the pay small-small package, he noted that the package provides an opportunity for intending pilgrims to pay in installments, depending on the arrangement adopted by the pilgrim.
“Pay a sum of fifty thousand naira only (N50, 000.00) per week for a period of six months or pay a sum of two hundred thousand naira only (N200, 000.00) monthly for six months”. You would have succeeded in making up for the initial deposit of One Million, two hundred thousand naira (N 1.2 Million) as initial deposit,” he said.
Continuing he said, “Lagos International is a fresh scheme introduced by the State. This scheme will allow intending pilgrims to choose the date of arrival on the completion of the Hajj exercise. Pilgrims on this package are expected to purchase a return ticket on their own bill to enable them leave the holy land ahead of other pilgrims.
“The Regular Standard” is the normal package of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Intending pilgrims on this package are expected to spend the standard number of days for the Hajj exercise in the holy land,” he stated.