By Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta
The association of hajj Media Support Professionals has called on all hajj stakeholders in the country particularly states’ pilgrims welfare agencies, airline carriers, private tour operators and journalists among others to close ranks, put hands on deck and work assiduously for the success of this year’s hajj exercise to make the nation and Islam proud.
The national Coordinator of the association Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta made the plea on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, during a live phone-in radio programme (Fatwa) on Nagarta Radio, in Kaduna.
In addition, the association of media professionals congratulated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the wonderful arrangements it has put in place so far, both onshore and offshore to ensure a hitch free and seamless Hajj operation in all aspects of the spiritual exercise.
Furthermore, the AHMSP appreciated the foresight and prompt intervention of the presidency by asking the Apex bank in the country( CBN) to shelve its earlier proposed plan to issue Nigerian pilgrims with ATM card as replacement for physical cash during the forthcoming hajj exercise which could have subjected pilgrims to untold hardships. AHMSP emphasizes that this gesture by the government at the centre deserves encomiums and commendation, as it will bring much succour and respite to Nigerian Pilgrims.
The non- profit registered civil organisation (AHMSP) advised all intending pilgrims in the country to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as they have been taught during the weekly orientation and enlightenment lectures (Bita) in their respective states and local government areas, on how to perform acceptable hajj as ordains by islamic sharia as well as being subservient to Saudi’s laws and regulations.
The association of media support professionals also drew the attention of this year’s intending pilgrims to utilise their basic travelling allowance (BTA) judiciously in order to avoid being financially bankrupt, whereas they may have more days to spend in the holy land before the commencement of inbound airlift to Nigeria.
*Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta
National coordinator AHMSP writes from Kaduna