BY NGOZI A NWANKWO
President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State capital.
This was even as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stepped up discussions with its new financial partners in the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), with a view to making Hajj more affordable, transparent, and accessible for Nigerian Muslims while reducing reliance on last-minute payments and complex funding arrangements.
At the flag-off ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasised the significance of pilgrimage as a spiritual journey of faith.
He commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for his innovative leadership and successful conduct of four pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
The president also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his support of the pilgrimage program, noting that the Governor has sponsored 1,000 pilgrims in 2023 and another 1,000 this year.
“You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Following the President’s remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State expressed his delight at the flag-off ceremony.
“As you journey to the holy land, carry Nigeria at heart, pray for peace, pray for Mr. President, for additional and incremental wisdom by God,” he said.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, congratulated the intended pilgrims and emphasized the significance of pilgrimage as a journey of spiritual rebirth.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, commended Tinubu and Uzodimma for their support and urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria. He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his effective supervisory role over the Commission.
About 350 intending Christian pilgrims from Imo and Abia States were airlifted for the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Imo State to the Holy Land from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.
Meanwhile, the financial institutions: Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank – are all working with the NAHCON on HSS, introduced as a long-term contributory plan to help intending pilgrims systematically save towards performing Hajj.
Presenting their proposals for the platform, which requires intending pilgrims to register using a phone number, Bank Verification Number, BVN and an email address, the banks reiterated their commitments to the collaboration with the commission on HSS to provide a sustainable framework for Nigerians to fulfill their religious obligation without undue financial strain.
NAHCON explained in a statement by Mahmud Babangida Beli of the Information and Publications Division of the commission that the registration by intending pilgrims was meant “to provide a secure and accessible digital system that will make the Hajj preparation process more efficient.”
“The banks also highlighted several new features built into the system. These include facial verification for stronger security, the option for pilgrims to select three preferred states of departure and flight date, flexible savings with the ability to fund accounts at any time, full transaction history for easy monitoring, and minor accounts for underage children.
“The platform also provides institutional dashboards for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and NAHCON as superuser to oversee all activities.
“An additional feature includes an embedded tab in their mobile banking app that allows customers to register with a single click, making the process even more accessible.
“The banks also revisited and refined several recommendations raised during earlier engagements with NAHCON, ensuring the system aligns with both regulatory requirements and the needs of prospective pilgrims,” it stressed.
NAHCON officials commended the presentations, pointing out that such innovations would enhance efficiency, transparency, and convenience in the scheme.
By integrating technology-driven solutions, the collaboration reflects NAHCON’s wider commitment to modernizing Hajj operations and creating a smoother, more reliable process for pilgrims.
Hajj Savings Scheme creates an avenue for intending Nigerian Muslim pilgrims to save towards fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam; going on Hajj (pilgrimage to the holy lands of Makkah and Madina).