The Kwara Welfare Board has announced the commencement of special prayers for the 2022 Hajj operations./p>

The Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Bashiru Hammed, told newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday that the prayers would start on May 12, at Gereu Road, Ilorin./p>

Hammed advised all the intending pilgrims to be present by 12 pm on the premises of the board./p>

He said that there would be provision for COVID-19 vaccines (booster Jab) for those that have not completed their dose, urging the intending pilgrims to be present for the exercise./p>

He added that the complete dosage of the vaccines is one of the conditions for performing the Hajj./p>

Hammed however rekindled the hope of the 1,600 outstanding 20192021 pilgrims that couldn't meet up not to be deterred, assuring that their money is safe./p>

He explained that some of the outstanding pilgrims have applied for a refund, some completed their payment for the 2022 Hajj, while some left their money till next year's Hajj./p>

“We announced on the radio that the 20192021 outstanding pilgrims who paid N1.3 million then should balance up, because 2022 Hajj operation cost is now N2.5 million,” according to him./p>

Hammed, however, noted that there is low turnout from outstanding pilgrims till the 10,406 slots allocated by the National Hajj Commission were exhausted./p>

He advised the pilgrims who cannot make the 2022 Hajj wait till next year and not to lose hope./p>

(NAN)