By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Muslim Welfare Board has announced an extension for Hajj payment and registration for the 2025 Holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of the Board, Mallam Musah Muhammad Uduimoh, made the disclosure during a meeting with the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State chapter in his office recently in Benin City the state capital.
According to chairman Udumoh, while the initial deadline was set in February 14, 2025, the board has decided in accordance with directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to extend it until mid-Ramadan (mid-March 2025) to allow more intending pilgrims to complete their registration.
Uduimoh emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between the two organizations to enhance Hajj preparations and promote positive narratives about the Muslim community.
According to him, “We welcome this partnership and we are willing to collaborate with the media. The board needs media support in promoting its activities, specifically in publicizing the ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj. We have nearly 200 pilgrims who have already registered, and extension has been given which aims to accommodate more individuals. As a state, Edo has been allocated 412 Hajj slots by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)”
In his introductory statement during the meeting, the acting chairman of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter, Abdul-Kadir Abdullah, outlined the association's aim of the visit, which include raising awareness about the MMPN in the state, collaborating on disseminating information about the Hajj processes, highlighting the contributions of Muslim leaders and organizations to societal development, among others.
Abdullah noted, “As a body, we recognize 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 organizations in the development of the society”
Discussions during the meeting also focused on improving the Hajj experience for pilgrims. Uduimoh assured attendees that the board is committed to addressing past challenges related to accommodation adding that the board has secured lodging closer to the Haram in Makkah and catering services that will provide local food options, such as garri, for the pilgrims.
The Chairman also addressed the existing relationship between the Muslim and Christian welfare boards in Edo State, emphasizing willingness to work together in the spirit of cooperation between the two bodies on matters of mutual interest, in line with the current administration's development programmes.