Ondo allotted slots for 302 pilgrims for 2017 Hajj
*Spotlight on Ondo Muslim Welfare Board
The Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board on Saturday said that 302 slots had been allotted for intending Muslim pilgrims in the state for the 2017 Hajj.
Chairman of the board, Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi, disclosed this to newsmen in Akure.
“A total of 302 Hajj slots are allotted to the state while successful intending pilgrims are expected to leave the state by middle of August, 2017,’’ he said.
According to him, the screening of the pilgrims would hold on July 8 at the board’s Alagbaka, Akure office at 8am.
The chairman, who said all the 302 slots were self sponsored, called on the intending pilgrims to adhere to the directive given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“ The National Hajj Commission has directed all intending pilgrims to the holy land in Saudi Arabia to complete the payment of their Hajj fees before Wednesday, July 5,’’ he said.
NAHCON had announced N1.5 million as fare for the 2017 Hajj.
Spotlight on Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board
Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board’s uniqueness cuts across its functions as regards the functions it has played in the being of Muslim Community of Ondo State, which transcends just handling pilgrimage at Hajj time.
Like its Christian counterpart, the Ondo State established tbe state Muslim Welfare Board ny law among other things:
*To protect and promote the general welfare and well-being of muslim in the state.
*To advise the government on matters relating to the welfare and well-being of muslims generally,
*To ensure a peaceful and harmonious co-existence between Christians and muslims and between both and the general public in the state.
*The board within the limits of its resources and subject to the provisions of the law to protect and safeguard the interests and welfare of Ondo State pilgrims journeying to or from any place of pilgrimage specified in the first schedule to this law or stranded in the course of a journey to or from any such place of pilgrimage.
*To make suitable arrangements for the assistance to be given to the pilgrims in matters relating to currency exchange.
Past Chairmen of Board
Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board has been administered until the recent appointment of the new chairman by eight chairmen namely; Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, Alhaji Ishaq I. Erinfolani, Alhaji D. Ola Ibrahim, Alhaji Yesiru O. Oladele, Alhaji Idris U. Balogun, Alhaji Mustapha A.B Adeyanju, Alhaji Ibrahim A Jimoh
Past Secretaries of the Board included Alhaji R.A Sule, Alhaji J. Ayemowa, Alhaji M.B Yussuf, Alhaji Y. Ogbera, Alhaji S. Kasali, Alhaji A.O. Yusuf.