Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan has urged Nigerian pilgrims at this year’s Hajj to pray for the success of the country’s 2023 General elections.
He spoke on Friday during his visit to the pilgrims at Arafat. Day of Arafat is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar (the holiest night being The Night of Power during Ramadan). At the tent of the Ulama (Muslim Scholars), the NAHCON Chairman said 2023 will be epocal for Nigeria. He said it is incumbent on the pilgrims from pray for the country to overcome its challenges and for candidates who would lift Nigeria to greater heights to emerge from the polls. Reviewing the 2022 Hajj, Alhaji Hassan said it was regretable that a few prospective pilgrims could not make it to Saudi Arabia despite all the efforts made by NAHCON in conjunction with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards as well as licensed tour operators. He attributed to some factors, including some new policies introduced by the Saudi authorities and assured that those left behind this year will enjoy priority at next year’s exercise. He however said that those desirous of getting refund for the money paid were free to make such request. Responding of behalf of the Ulama, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam, an Imam at National Mosque,Abuja commended the NAHCON Chairman and his team for their dedication and steadfastness. He scored the current Hajj exercise being midwives by the Commission high while also giving the assurance that the Ulama would continue to pray for the leadership of NAHCON.
A major highlight of the Chairman’s visit to the Ulama’s camp was the introduction to him of 12-year old Umar Faruq, the youngest person among Nigerian pilgrims. Master Umar Faruq is from Gombe State.