By Murtala Adewale, (Kano) and Shakirah Adunola (Lagos)
- NAHCON inaugurates pre-Hajj team to Saudi Arabia
- JIBWIS seeks review of accommodation, feeding fee
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a team to proceed to Saudi Arabia to make adequate accommodation and feeding arrangements for the 2020 Hajj exercise.
Speaking during the inauguration of the team, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, enjoined members of the team to dedicate their time and efforts, as well as examine all prospects of ensuring that Hajj fare goes down this year, and hopefully goes further down next year.
He emphasised that dedication is instrumental in addressing the issue of Hajj fare reduction, a promise he made during the screening of the board and one he is determined to keep. He called on the members to carry out this assignment without compromising the quality or standard of accommodation nor feeding.
Therefore, they must focus on getting good houses for the pilgrims and insist on decent meals from caterers. Hassan noted that the task is not going to be easy but they must avoid temptation, compromise and lure of surrender.
The Commissioner Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Magari Hardawa, in his address to the team, assured the chairman of all members’ commitment to meet expectations Nigerian Muslims to see that Hajj fare is reduced.
He also tasked members of the pre-Hajj team to make good bargains that will enable pilgrims to embark on Hajj with relative ease and get value for their money.
The team, led by Hassan has the three permanent commissioners among the delegation, senior management staff, staff from relevant departments and Zainab Ujudud Sheriff on the list.
Sheriff will inspect likely locations to site Nigerian clinics as well as ascertain that all conditions set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for setting up clinics by participating countries are met.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General, Directorate of Conference and Seminar, Jamatul Izalatu Bidiah Waikomatu Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abubakar Abdulsalam Mohammad has urged the leadership of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to review cost of pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding at the holy land.
Speaking with The Guardian on the expectation of Nigerians from the new board, Abubakar advocated a thorough commitment to pilgrim’s welfare just as he insisted that pilgrims are paying much for less service.
Abubakar, who applauded the appointment and track record of the new team, however, tasked them to prioritize pilgrim’s welfare and reduce critical challenges mostly encountered during the Muslims pilgrimage.
“How would they improve the service and welfare of Nigeria pilgrims should be the primary concern of the need board. How would they attain this, the board should facilitate all means and aspect of Hajj that will ensure conducive operation.
“Making it easy and assist the pilgrims to discharge the obligatory activities. They should engage those who have experience and knowledge of Hajj especially those who live in Saudi Arabia and those who have the administrative experience of Hajj affairs.
“The new board should also ensure fairness, just and fear of God in all services rendered to pilgrims. The issue of accommodation and feeding should be reviewed downward. We have observed personal interest in these two major areas by the previous board and it needs to be reviewed in the interest of justice and fairness. The new board must set up a committee that will investigate thoroughly”. Sheikh Abubakar advised.
Culled from Guardian
