The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that two weeks have been set aside for the collection of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for the year 2017 intending Hajj pilgrims from May 29th to June 9.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Muftau Okoya, while fielding questions from newsmen said that the exercise would enable the intending pilgrims to convert their Naira currencies to dollars in preparation for travel to the holy pilgrimage and reduce the burden of getting foreign exchange.

According to him, pilgrims would be allowed to exchange a maximum of N244,000 for $800 at the official rate of N305.00 per dollar as BTA and therefore urged intending pilgrims to take advantage of the period to change their currencies.

Okoya said further that all intending pilgrims would be expected to possess the National Identity Card as directed by NAHCON, explaining that to make this easy, arrangements have been made with the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) to set up a Centre on the premises of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board from Monday, 5th June 2017 to make the registration process easier and faster for intending pilgrims.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that the Ramadan/pre-Hajj Lectures have been scheduled to hold on the 19th and 20th at the Old Secretariat Central Mosque to sensitise intending pilgrims about the journey.

He explained that lectures for intending pilgrims from Agege, Ajeromi, Apapa, Alimosho, Amuwo, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa and Kosofe will be on June 19 while Ikeja, Ifako Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Lagos Island, Oshodi/Isolo, Surulere and Shomolu will take their turn on the 20th June 2017.

The Executive Secretary implored Muslim faithful to use the period of the Ramadan to pray for the State and Nigeria, especially for quick recovery of the country from the current economic recession.

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