Jaiz Bank with support from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has launched the Hajj Savings Scheme in Kwara and Oyo States.
The launch and awareness sensitisation in the states held in Ilorin on Wednesday and in Ibadan on Thursday, a statement from the bank said.
The Managing Director/CEO, Jaiz, Hassan Usman who was represented by Ismaila Adamu at the events said the scheme is a significant milestone in the hajj ecosystem.
“With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualise their dream without stress by saving gradually.”
The Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, who was represented by Halima Jibril, said HSS has several benefits amongst which is to assist the less privileged to save money over time to go to hajj.
“You don’t have to sell your farmland to go to hajj as the scheme will make hajj fare affordable.”
The Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen advised that the scheme be conducted with sincerity to achieve its envisaged success.
The Secretary to Kwara State Government, Prof. Mammah Jibril, welcomed the initiative. “It will also no doubt raise the hope of less privileged Muslim ummahs to participate in the Hajj exercise by a gradual deposit for Hajj”
The Chairman of Oyo state Muslims Welfare Board, Prof. Sayed Malik said the scheme has the potential of bringing about financial inclusion.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, represented by his Chief Of Staff, Bisi Alaka, said: “We will continue to implement policies that would promote the welfare of the people of the state. I, therefore, urge all Muslims in the state to subscribe to the scheme.”
