The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will commence the distribution of travel materials to intending Hajj pilgrims on Saturday as part of the second phase of its education and orientation exercise in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Lawal, the exercise will take place at the permanent Hajj camp in Bassan Jiwa, near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, between Saturday and Sunday.
Lawal stated that the board had secured essential travel items, including uniforms, literature, and audio materials, to help intending pilgrims prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.
These materials will also aid their continued learning of Hajj rites throughout the Islamic month of Ramadan.
He further disclosed that all activities for intending pilgrims would be suspended during Ramadan to allow them ample time to focus on their religious obligations.
Full preparations for Hajj will resume after the fasting period to ensure a smooth operation and adequate readiness for the journey to Saudi Arabia.
“As usual, the second phase of the orientation exercise will be conducted in seven languages by Islamic scholars, considering the diverse nature of the FCT. It will begin at 8 a.m. each day,” the statement read.
The orientation is designed to educate pilgrims on Hajj rites, new policies introduced by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and other essential guidelines for this year’s pilgrimage.
Lawal urged intending pilgrims who have yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international passports to do so promptly.
This, he said, would enable the board to fast-track the processing of their travel documents ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia.
