…Urges them to pray for Nigeria in holy land
‘Be good ambassadors of Nigeria: NAHCON chairman
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to build on all the successes it recorded so far by the continuous provision of quality and diligent services to Nigerian pilgrims, both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
The president gave the directive on Thursday at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while flagging off the inaugural flight for Hajj2023, where the first batch of intending pilgrims from Nasarawa state, about 472 including 27 officials, will be airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, commended the commission led by Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan for her diligence in ensuring a smooth sail during the preparation stages of this year’s Hajj operations.
He said, “You are representing not only the president but also Nigeria and Islam. Be patient, attentive and never deviate from your mission. Remember to pray for Nigeria, the economy, security and the politics. Pray for Nasarawa and the leaders. Pray for peace as you can see the security challenges the country is going through.
“Focus on the welfare of the pilgrims as some of them may not be literate while some may never have been to Abuja before now. You can imagine their fate in another country if they are not well taken care of. Their lives and welfare are in your hands. That is why we have given you all the support you asked requested, so there should be no excuses,” he said.
Alhaji Hassan, the NAHCON Chairman, while expressing deep gratitude to President Buhari for his unflinching support, congratulated the Nigerian pilgrims for witnessing what he described “a memorable day.”
According to him, “I equally congratulate the pilgrims, many of whom must have been waiting for years to witness this day when they will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Indeed, today is a memorable day because all the plans that have been put on ground for the smooth takeoff of the 2023 Hajj have not gone in vain”.
The NAHCON chairman urged the intending pilgrims to be law-abiding, good ambassadors of Nigeria and to maintain decorum in all interactions, both within the country and in the holy land.
“All Nigerian pilgrims traveling for Hajj 2023 are ambassadors of Nigeria in the Kingdom, hence, they should be law abiding to the regulations of the Kingdom, uphold the tenets of Islam, be courteous to their fellow pilgrims and above all, they should be well acquainted with the obligations of Hajj, which is the main purpose of their journey.
Alhaji Hassan expressed gratitude to the Custodians of the two Holy Mosques for their sacrifices and commitment, year-in, year-out, towards hitch free exercises of the annual religious rites in the Kingdom.
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