Farmers constitute more than 90 per cent of the
1,260 intending pilgrims from Taraba that have so
far deposited fare for the 2017 pilgrimage to Saudi
Arabia, an official of the state pilgrims board has
said.

In interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in
Jalingo on Friday, Umar Leme, the Executive
Secretary of the Board, disclosed that the farmers
had already deposited N912 million while awaiting
the official pronouncement on the hajj fare for this
year.

He observed that the large turn-out of farmers for
the exercise might not be unconnected with the
bumper harvest recorded by most of them across
the state in the last cropping season.
Speaking on arrangements being made for a hitch-
free pilgrimage, Leme said accommodation had
been secured for pilgrims at a strategic location
within Mecca close to areas that rites would be
performed.

He said 1, 457 seats were allocated to Taraba by the
National Hajj Commission, but that the state
government was making effort to secure additional
seats.

He said many pilgrims were not very conversant
with hajj rites, adding that the board intended
engaging more trainers for the 2017 pilgrimage.
Mr. Leme called on the National Hajj Commission
to enhance the process of securing travelling
documents to reduce delays experienced in
previous years.
The secretary also called on those who made
deposits, to complete their payment.
(NAN)