Gbenro Adesina
Following the cancellation of the 2020 Hajj by the Saudi Arabian Government so as to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the Holy Land, the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing) has assured all the intending pilgrims that have deposited money with the Board that the money is intact.
The Chairman of the Board, Prof Sayed Malik made the disclosure while briefing Journalists at his office in Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan about the development, noted that the intending pilgrims could use the deposits for 2021 Hajj if they so desire.
Malik, however, pointed out that those that wish to get their money back are permitted to request for the refund by writing to the board.
He said, “Looking at the global pandemic caused by Covid-19 and the decision of the Saudi government to stop international pilgrims from partaking in the 2020 hajj exercise, we want to assure the pilgrims from Oyo State that have deposited monies for the exercise that their money is intact with us.
“If anybody wants to collect his or her money, all they need to do is to write to the board, but if they want to keep it with the board till 2021 hajj, we will still keep the money for them”, he assured.
He urged all the 2021 intending Pilgrims to join the Oyo State Government in its efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic by always observing all the protocols made available to the general public, so as to avert the spread of the deadly virus.
