Omotayo Adigun
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja, is set to conclude its extensive education and orientation program for the 4,000 intending pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj this weekend.
The Director of the Board, Kadiri Edah, announced on Wednesday that the program, conducted in several batches to accommodate all participants, will culminate in practical demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27.
Edah stated that these final practical sessions, to be held at the FCT Permanent Hajj Camp located in Bassan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, are designed to fully prepare the intending pilgrims for their spiritual journey. The practical aspect will provide hands-on experience and reinforce the theoretical knowledge imparted during the earlier phases of the orientation program.
To cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the pilgrims originating from the FCT, the Board has mobilized Islamic scholars who will deliver the orientation in seven different languages. This multilingual approach aims to ensure that all participants fully understand the Hajj rites and the important information shared during the sessions.
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Edah explained that the phased implementation of the education and orientation program was a deliberate strategy to adequately enlighten intending pilgrims on the specific rituals of the Hajj and to inform them about any newly introduced policies by the Saudi Arabian authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This proactive approach ensures that pilgrims are well-informed and prepared for any changes or updates in the Hajj procedures.
The Director further assured that the Board has implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure a seamless Hajj operation this year. These strategies include detailed briefings covering all aspects of the pilgrimage, with a particular focus on explaining any unfamiliar new policies and procedures.
Edah strongly urged all intending pilgrims to actively participate in the remaining programs organized by the Board, emphasizing their crucial role in achieving an acceptable Hajj. He also issued an important reminder to those who have not yet submitted their completed application forms or international passports to do so immediately to avoid any potential delays in the processing of their essential travel documents.