MUHARRAM 11, 1430 A.H.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7 2009
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KSPWB to repay intending pilgrims
By HASSAN MUSA K/MATA
INTENDING pilgrims who had paid their fares but could not perform last year’s Hajj exercise from Kano state have been urged to go to the state Pilgrims Welfare Board (KSPWB) for screening and collection of their money.
Director General of the Board, Alhaji Sani Lawal Kofar Mata who dropped the hint during a live radio programme, Monday night, said the money could have been settled since but for the fact that they were then preoccupied with preparation toward the airlift of pilgrims, while identifying with the intending pilgrims for their patience in the face of the development he equally announced that a committee would be set up to find out what was responsible for the failure with the hope of finding solution to the problem.
Alhaji Kofar Mata also urged them to come along with their receipt to enable the Board sort out the authenticity of their payments for action.
The Director-General who gave an overview of the Hajj exercise, noted that despite some pocket of problems associated with the exercise, last years Hajj could be described as a success.
He pointed out most of the problems especially those that had to do with the Saudi Arabian authorities would be formally written to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which will forward it to the Hajj agencies in the Holy land.
According to him, Kano pilgrims deserve commendation for their support and cooperation, saying that the problem encountered regarding the two rented apartments were quickly solved with the timely intervention of the Amirul Hajj and Speaker, of the state House of Assembly, Hon. AbdulAzeez Garba Gafasa.
On pilgrims luggage, the Director-General said the delay was a result of a directive issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities that all airlines should use cargo to transport the luggages, and urged the pilgrims to exercise patience.
He, however, commended the two airlines, Kabo Air and Meridian chartered by the state government to airlift its pilgrimage for keeping to schedule.
Alhaji Kofar Mata also commended all stakeholders in the exercise that included the state government of money, the Amirul Hajj, chairman and board members among others for making it success.
