11th July, 2018
The Bauchi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board (BSMPWB) is to commence biometric data capturing of intending pilgrims in the state for this year, on July 12.
Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, Executive Secretary of the Board stated this while addressing newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday.
“As part of the preparations for this years’ hajj, the Saudi Arabian Authority has introduced the biometric capture of fingerprints of intending pilgrims across the globe.
“To this end, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has directed state pilgrims welfare boards and agencies to make the necessary arrangements for the conduct of the exercise in their various states”, said Hardawa.
“This biometric exercise will commence tomorrow Thursday, July 12, 2018, and end July 17
“The exercise will commence with intending pilgrims from Bogoro, Dambam, Darazo, Dass, Ganjuwa, Kirfi, Misau, Tafawa Balewa and Warji this Thursday, while those from Ningi and Toro local government areas are expected to be captured the following day.
“Furthermore, intending pilgrims from Gamawa, Giade, Itas Gadau, Jama’are, Katagum, Shira and Zaki Local Government Areas would be captured on Saturday 14th July, while those from Bauchi and Alkaleri will have their turn on Monday,16th July,” Hardawa explained.
The Executive Secretary further explained that the exercise is expected to be completed on Tuesday, July 17, with intending pilgrims who paid their hajj fares through the board secretariat.
He therefore urged intending pilgrims to present themselves at the stipulated date, stressing that pilgrims would only be entertained as per the arrangement stipulated.