The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, continues to receive accolade and commendation from stakeholders over this year’s Hajj preparations and executions so far.
The Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Arrigasiyyu, gave the commendation on Wednesday during a live Hausa programme, Barka Da Warhaka, on Freedom Radio Kaduna.
He said the chairman NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, his team and stakeholders did all they could to ensure that intending pilgrims paid less, or same amount paid during last Hajj exercise.
He, however, said that much as tried pilgrims had to shoulder an increase due to hike in accommodation, transportation and other logistics in the Holyland and the depreciation of the value of the Naira to the dollar.
Dr. Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, who is optimistic that all Kaduna intending pilgrims would be airlifted to the holy land on, or before June 14, said the outward journey of the pilgrims could not start as earlier scheduled due to some aviation challenges.
He explained that the airliner, Azman Air, contracted for the exercise had to correct some observed lapses, adding that the airlift of intending pilgrims would begin by Thursday or Friday.
He advised pilgrims to avoid loitering while in the Holyland as the weather would be harsh and unfriendly this year, unlike in previous years.
The Executive Secretary further called on the pilgrims to avoid carrying contraband or carrying someone else luggage for fear of being victims of circumstances.
Dr. Yusuf Arrigasiyyu enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Kaduna State and Nigeria in general by being law abiding and respect all rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He said his Agency has taken measures to ensure that Kaduna State Pilgrims were not swindled in the name of Hadaya, money exchange and other running arounds.
