The Ogun State Government says it will continue to encourage intending pilgrims to Mecca and Medina through the Hajj Savings Scheme that provides a long -term savings platform.

The Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda made this known in Abeokuta, while receiving the management of Jaiz Bank Plc, saying the Scheme had been formally adopted by the State government to enable more interested pilgrims to perform Hajj without stress.

Alhaji Salau, who affirmed that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had approved the procurement of necessary equipment for the smooth running of the scheme, lauded the government for its unflinching support to the Board, despite the cancellation of international pilgrimage in the last two years by the Saudi Arabia authority, assuring that it would strengthen its relationship with the bank for adequate sensitisation on the scheme.

In his presentation, the Unit Head, Private Banking Institutional Banking Group, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Shakirudeen Aminu said the scheme had continued to attract patronage from intending pilgrims in Nigeria, noting that efforts were in top gear to provide a physical structure in the State.

Aminu further solicited for the continued support of the Board, saying other necessary backing would be looked into for the scheme to thrive.