The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has sought for the unflinching support of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), towards the successful implementation of 2021 Hajj operation.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda made the call during a courtesy visit to NIS Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the agency has crucial roles to play on having a hitch-free Hajj, concerning the issuance of passport and screening of intending pilgrims before embarking on holy pilgrimage.

Dauda explained that necessary arrangements are in place to hold the 2021 Hajj exercise, urging the NIS to assist the Board, so that intending pilgrims could get their passports without delay.

He informed the agency of the launch of Hajj Savings Scheme in the State, by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), that is designed to encourage more Muslim faithful to participate in the pilgrimage, saying the State government would continue to adopt worthwhile initiatives capable of enhancing Hajj activities and protecting the interest of the people.

Responding, the State Comptroller, NIS, Ogun State Command, Mr. Gabriel Osisanya who appreciated the Board for the visit, said immigration had partnered with various pilgrimage committees, both in the State and at federal levels for smooth operation, promising that his agency would not fail in its responsibility to make the exercise hitch-free.

Osisanya assured of prompt issuance of passport to intending pilgrims to enable them partake in the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medinah.

“The importance of passport in travelling cannot be over-emphasised and therefore the need to facilitate its issuance process. NIS is willing and ready to support the government of Ogun State in this regard for a smooth Hajj operation,” he said.