The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to inform the Command of the commencement of the year 2025 Hajj exercise, just as it sought support towards a hitch-free operation.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, during the visit to the Command at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, described the NIS as one of the key stakeholders that plays an important role in the yearly exercise, informing it on the need to fast-track issuance of intending pilgrims’ passport to enable the Board meets the deadline for the pilgrimage.
While appreciating the Command’s past cooperation and support, Alhaji Ajibola, in a statement signed by Hajia Lateefaht Ayoola, Press Officer, OGMPWB, expressed hope that the NIS would sustain the annual assistance for the success of the Hajj exercise.
The State Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Ogun State Command, Mr. Aliyu Akadiri, in his response, said the agency was conversant with the programme and assured that necessary efforts would be made to prevent delay in the issuance of passport for intending pilgrims.
He advised the Board to urge prospective pilgrims requesting International Passports to commence early and come with proof of payment to expedite the process.
Also speaking, Deputy Superintendent Immigration (DSI) Osinusi Omoowo, tasked the Board to inform intending pilgrims of the requirement in the issuance of passport, such as, validated National Identity Number (NIN) and correct information, warning that incorrect details would attract additional fees.
In the same vein, the Board called on the Nigeria Port Health (Quarantine) Services, at Federal Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Alhaji Taiwo informed the health agency of the Board’s preparation towards the Hajj, enjoining it to ensure speedy issuance of Yellow Cards to intending pilgrims, to facilitate seamless Hajj procedure.
Remarking, State Coordinator, Port Health (Quarantine) Services, Mr. Abdul-Lateef Alaaya, pledged that the agency would give necessary assistance and prayed for a successful 2025 Hajj operations.
