Muideen Olaniyi
ANA's effort according the group's leadership, was fully
endorsed and supported by the leadership of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON), from concept to finish.
The ANA's campaign was marked by strategic engagements
across key regions--North West, North East, North Central, and FCT--bringing
together religious leaders, stakeholders, and state pilgrims' boards to address
pressing concerns ahead of the looming December 31st payment deadline for Hajj
2024.
ANA’s advocacy encompassed multifaceted challenges impacting
the affordability of Hajj, including accommodation near Haram, feeding schemes,
royalties, airfares, and service charges, all contributing to the overall high
cost incurred by intending pilgrims.
Stakeholders voiced concerns during the engagements, notably
about fraudulent activities targeting pilgrims, delayed information
dissemination, and inadequate awareness within rural communities regarding the
new regulations and payment deadlines for the 2024 Hajj.
Regional observations revealed promising trends in some
states meeting their Hajj quotas, while others faced challenges due to pending
court decisions and delayed commitments. The need for deadline extensions and
subsidies emerged as key recommendations to make Hajj more accessible.
The North Central region particularly highlighted a lack of
comprehensive information and suggested intensive educational campaigns to
bridge the awareness gap among intending pilgrims and rural communities.
Stakeholders advocated for intensified enlightenment drives,
closer collaboration with financial institutions to alleviate payment hurdles,
and a call for governments to subsidize Hajj fares, addressing concerns about
fraud, improved management, and early savings schemes.
Encouragingly, government officials in various states,
including Kano, Kebbi, FCT, Zamfara, Kwara, and Nasarawa, expressed confidence
in their governments' interventions to ensure a successful Hajj 2024, affirming
their commitment to addressing affordability challenges.
Sen. MoAllahyidi conveyed gratitude for the support extended
by the National Hajj Commission and various state pilgrims' boards,
acknowledging their collaborative efforts to advance the cause of making Hajj
2024 more accessible for Nigerian Muslims.
0 comments:
Post a Comment