*Photo: Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman*
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has once again extended his hand of fellowship to Chief Executives of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
In an address at a meeting he held with them in Abuja on Wednesday 11th December 2024,Prof Saleh Usman said “I came here with good intentions and a bag full of plans to change and reposition the Commission for the better. Let us open a new page and make NAHCON and State Pilgrims Welfare Authorities exemplary institutions for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.”
He further emphasized the much expected teamwork, describing NAHCON staff and State Chief Executives/stakeholders as the strongest pillars of the Commission.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to work together as one family to achieve the common goal of providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
Professor Saleh Usman disclosed that he will soon embark on a tour of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to engage with governors, religious scholars and traditional rulers to garner support and blessings for the success of the 2025 Hajj.
The NAHCON Chairman disclosed that the first Pre- Hajj Visit to Saudi Arabia will take place in January 2025 comprising delegation of members from both NAHCON and Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards who will attend Hajj preparation meetings, finalize agreements with service providers, and inspect arrangements in Jeddah.
Professor Saleh called on the Chief Executives to expedite remittances to the Commission to enable early preparations, including securing affordable and suitable accommodations at Madina, Makkah, Mina and Mashaer.
The Commissioner-in-Charge of Operations, Prince Anofi Olarewaju Elegushi provided updates on the 2025 Hajj calendar, noting the distribution of a 51-page guiding document from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to streamline operations. Stakeholders were urged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and adhere to the operational timelines.
