The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured Nigerians in general and pilgrims in particular that it will ensure diligent execution of all responsibilities assigned to it.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman gave the assurance Monday night, in his opening remarks at this year’s pre-Arafah stakeholders meeting in Makkah.
He said the Board, Management and Staff of the Commission appreciate the fact that they were saddled with the responsibility of serving Nigerian pilgrims who committed their hard earned resources to be able to perform one of the fundamental pillars of Islam.
He therefore said the cardinal aspect and responsibility of the Commission was to ensure service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims both at home and in Saudi Arabia.
The NAHCON Chairman commended the contribution of staff, who are the foot soldiers, and stakeholders, who sacrificed all comforts to ensure a seamless and hitch free Hajj exercise, hoping that the successes recorded up to this point, would be solidified and maintained till the end of the exercise.
Professor Saleh Usman assured that the Commission would do everything humanly possible to ensure comfort and peace of mind of all Nigerian pilgrims.
In his welcome address at the pre-Arafah stakeholders meeting, the Commissioner Operations of the Commission, Prince Anofiu Elegushi said Hajj operations are always a call to and for unity, piety, timely communication, commitment and sacrifice by all stakeholders to dignify the pilgrims through commensurate service delivery thereby ensuring they got value for their money.
The Commissioner commended the Custodian of the two holy Mosques, Sultan Salman Bn Abdulaziz, the Crowned Prince Muhammad Bn Salman and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their untiring commitment in ensuring seamless and hitch free Hajj and Umrah exercises year round.
On its part, the Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj to be good ambassadors of Islam in particular and Nigeria in general while in the holy land.
The Nigeria’s Charge D’ Affairs in Riyadh, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo Umar said it was imperative for the pilgrims to abide by the do’s and don’t’s of the host country so as to carryout their religious obligations peacefully and with ease.
He commended the efforts of NAHCON in ensuring a seamless and hitch free Hajj exercise devoid of rancour and bickering, saying so far the Commission has commendably carried out the first leg of the exercise, hoping that the successes recorded thus far would be solidified and built upon to the end of the entire operation.
Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo further stated that NAHCON was working hand in hand with the Nigerian Embassy and the Saudi authorities to ensure a more peaceful, comfortable, seamless and hitch free Hajj exercise this year than previous years.
The Charge D’ Affairs said, so far, no report of any serious misdemeanour against any Nigerian pilgrim was received.
He implored the pilgrims, as they pray for themselves, they shouldn’t forget Nigeria, as they do not have any country other than it, saying they should pray that Nigeria overcomes her socioeconomic, political and security challenges and to guide her leaders aright.
On the Saudis refusal entry into the Kingdom to Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gummi, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo said the Nigerian Embassy has written to the Saudi authorities to be adequately briefed on the reasons for their action, saying it was confusing and surprising that they could give him permission through their Visa only to stop him at the point of entry.
He said as a Nigerian citizen, it was the responsibility of the Embassy to seek clarification on the issue and why from the Saudi authorities, saying that they are presently waiting for the clarification.