The Managing-Director, Jaiz Bank Plc., Hassan Usman, has said that all hands are on deck to open branches in Abeokuta and Ado Ekiti in order to bring on board thousands of prospects as well as expand operations of the bank.
Speaking at the launch of the Hajj Savings Scheme, HSS, in Osun, Ogun and Ekiti States as part of the take-off of the scheme in the South West region of the country, Mr Usman said the bank recognised the importance of the region both commercially and spiritually.
Mr Usman, who was represented by the Divisional Head, Corporate Services of the Bank, Ismaila Adamu, said the delay in Abeokuta and some other parts of the region was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Adamu emphasised the role played by the former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, late Lateef Adegbite in the establishment of Jaiz Bank Plc which brings to fore the need to open a branch in Abeokuta to honour him.
Earlier, in Kaduna State, the launch took place over the weekend, where all the stakeholders agreed to work together towards its success.
The representative of Director-General of the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, Tahir Baba-Ibrahim, described the scheme as noble, urging all stakeholders to work together for its success.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the scheme is a collaboration between Jaiz Bank and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, in partnership with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
Jaiz Bank has assured its deployment of all needed technology towards smooth operations of the scheme.
The Osun State governor, Ishaq Oyetola, in his opening remarks, said the special launch of the HSS was a dream came true for the majority of Muslims in the state who could not afford the payment of Hajj fare at once, which as of today, stands at N1.5m.
In Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Solako-Oyedele, said the state would give all the necessary support towards its success.
In his part, the governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, said the HSS is a great innovation that would assist in both financial literacy and improve savings culture of the people in the state.
He spoke through his Commissioner of Special Duties, Jinad Ayodele, gave the assurances of the state for the success of the Scheme in the state.
While speaking, the coordinator HSS, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, who also represented the NAHCON Chairman, Zikirullah Hassan, said the scheme would simplify Hajj operations for the intending pilgrims.
