By Tosin Olatokunbo
Jaiz Bank Plc has launched the national Hajj savings scheme in the northeast and southeast regions of the country, intended to make hajj ritual, one of the pillars in Islam, seamless for Muslims in Nigeria traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj.
The development came barely three weeks after top Islamic leaders in the country lauded the scheme when it was launched in Oyo and Kwara states.
A statement from the Islamic, non-profit bank said efforts are ongoing to roll out the scheme in the North Central, North West, South West and South South..
The bank said it has already flagged off the sensitization campaign in Adamawa, Taraba and Ebonyi state in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board..
Meanwhile, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Hassan Usman said the hajj scheme is a win-win for all the major stakeholders in the, adding that the scheme has achieved a milestone in its quest to ensure seamless travel for prospective hajj travelers in the country.
The bank quoted Ismaila Adamu, Divisional Head, Corporate Services, who represented the chief executive officer at the launching to have said that the Scheme was a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the hajj ecosystem in Nigeria.
According to him, “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, adding that “Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj because they were pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.”
On his part, the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan said prospective hajj travelers do not have to sell their belongings because the Scheme, through savings has made things easier for those who are prepared to take advantage of it.
