The Edo Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board says only 200 intending pilgrims have so far made payment for the 2025 Hajj out of the 412 slots allocated to the state.

Musah Uduimoh, chairman of the board, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving members of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo chapter.

Mr Uduimoh noted, however, that the registration had been extended from Feb. 14 to mid-March by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

According to him, the extension is to give opportunity to more intending pilgrims to complete payment and registration.

“We have about 200 pilgrims who have already registered for this year hajj to Saudi Arabia, out of the total number of 412 slot allocated to the state by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)

“But we are glad that NAHCON has extended the deadline for the payment and registration to the middle of March from the initial February 15,” he said.

The board chairman, while assuring the intending pilgrims of a successful pilgrimage, asserted that the board was committed to addressing past challenges related to accommodation and feeding.

He said the board would secure lodging closer to the Haram in Makkah and catering services that would provide local foods such as Eba, Fufu and amala, among others, for the pilgrims.

Emphasising the importance of media, Mr Uduimoh noted that the media professionals must be an integral part of sensitisation for a successful Hajj exercise.

He urged members of the association to always help the board in the dissemination of information about hajj to the public.

“We welcome this partnership and we are willing to collaborate with the media.

“The board needs media support in promoting its activities, specifically in publicising the ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj,” he added.

Earlier, the Interim chairman of MMPN in the state, Abdul-Kadir Abdullah said the visit was to introduce the formation of the body in the state as well as to familiarise with the chairman of the body.

“As a body, we recognise the important role your office plays in facilitating Hajj processes for our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and the need to support you.

“We are also out to promote the efforts of our Muslim leaders and organisations in the development of the society,“ he stated. 

(NAN)