Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced biometric registration of Hajj pilgrims at VES TASHEEL Sky Water Tower, located at 6, Otunba Yomi Oshikoya, off Bank-Anthony Way Etiebet Junction, Abule Onigbagbo Bus Stop, Ikeja, Lagos.
The information was disclosed by the Board Secretary, Mr Ishola Rahman while briefing the stakeholders and staff of the Board about the preparations for the Y2019 Hajj operations during a forum held at Old Secretariat, GRA, Ikeja.
According to him, intending pilgrims are expected to visit the registration centre with two passport photographs and original copy of their International Passport to get their biometrics captured.
He pointed out that intending pilgrims from Agege Local Government who have made complete payments already got registered while those of Ajeromi and Alimosho are ongoing.
“Pilgrims are to await a phone call from their various coordinators for their respective dates of capturing to enable them to obtain a visa for the holy pilgrimage”, the Secretary submitted.
Mr Rahman reiterated the need for intending pilgrims to complete their payments promptly in order to fast-track the travel arrangements to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the Board Chairman, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf during the inaugural lecture sought the cooperation and commitment of intending pilgrims in the obedience of the rules and regulations of Allah and His apostles, adding that the mandate of the Board is to follow the Quran & Hadith in the performance of Hajj.
Dr Yussuf allayed the fears of pilgrims with health challenges, noting that ill health is not a death sentence and will not in any way stop intending pilgrims from performing Hajj.
He assured the pilgrims that the Board will make adequate arrangements to address any health challenges encountered during the journey.
This is a good idea because from year to year the queue for the pilgrimage is increasing.