By Ahmid Lawal

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCTMPWB) has asked intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise to make payments of N8,400,000 as an initial deposit before December 31, 2024.

The initial deposit to be paid by 2025 intending pilgrims for the Hajj exercise was made known during the Board courtesy visit to the Blueprint Newspapers Head office in Abuja Thursday.

Last year, Blueprint recalls that  the total sum paid by pilgrims was put at N8.4million, part of was augmented with a N90billion lifeline provided by the presidency.

Speaking during the visit to the Blueprint, the Board, led by the Deputy Director Operation, Hajiya Olumo Shade Sherifat, who represented the Board Director, Malam Kadiri Edah, said the delegation was in the media organisation to appreciate the absolute support and cooperation the it had enjoyed.

She called on Blueprint to give the Board more  coverage on the activities of the 2025 Hajj operation.

Hajiya Olumo  said the Board will need the support of Blueprint in the area of enlightening the intending pilgrims on the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO of the Blueprint Newspapers Ltd, Malam Salisu Umar, said his organisation had been a worthy partner of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Umar said: “Blueprint has been supporting FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for so many years; we have been supporting the Board without seeing each other and we promised to do more of what is expected.

“It is not by mistake to support you or talk of you, rather it is our corporate responsibility to support both Islam and Christianity, and as well contribute our quota to the two religions by uplifting them.”

He said Blueprint has a stronger relationship with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NACHON), assuring  the Board that his organisation will redouble its support towards the realisation of their set goals