The Amir-ul-Hajj of Lagos at the just concluded hajj, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi has exonerated the State and the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, of any blame over inadequate bed spaces and feeding in Muna.
Prince Elegushi heaped the blame for the lapses on the doorsteps of the Saudi Arabian authorities.
Recall that some Nigerian pilgrims had taken to social media to lament the shortage of tents and feeding in Muna during the 5-day of hajj rites, blaming the leadership of NAHCON.
Anofiu Elegushi, while speaking with the media including Muslim News, at the press conference organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, at Al-Dera Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, said it’s not NAHCON, but a Saudi company also known as Mu’assasa that failed to make adequate provision for bed spaces commensurate with the number of pilgrims that participated in the 2023 exercise.
He opined, “On the issue of feeding, the respective States should be allowed to engage their indigenous professional caterers to provide local delicacies for their pilgrims instead of giving the sole rights to the Arabs.”
Lagos pilgrims begin home-bound journey on Friday
Meanwhile, the Amir-ul-Hajj also announced that Lagos pilgrims would start their return journey home on the 7th July with a ‘special flight’ expected to airlift all the elderly and those with medical challenges.
He added that the airlifting exercise would run through 8, 9, and 10 till the 22nd of July when the officials would be airlifted.
He expressed hope that having informed the pilgrims about the rules on luggage, the pilgrims would stick to the 32kg allowed by the airline for main luggage and desist from carrying water or any liquid item in their bags, saying that their ZamZam water had already been transported to Nigeria awaiting their arrival.
Medical permit
The immediate former Commissioner of Home Affairs in Lagos State also appealed to NAHCON to seek work permits for medical personnel brought by the states to provide first aid for pilgrims with medical challenges.
He noted that this would complement NAHCON’s efforts and reduce the pressure experienced by the personnel in its clinics.
Elegushi urged NAHCON to reduce its autonomy and relinquish some rights to the States.
“NAHCON should trust us to deliver on some activities if given the chance. They should trust the states to handle things, entrust certain activities to us and guide us”, he said.
Lagos to digitalise sale, payment, processes for Hajj
Speaking on plans, the Amir-ul-Hajj said that with effect from next year, the board would go digital on the sale of hajj forms.
He said, “As from next year, the purchase of hajj form, payment for hajj fare and all processes would be done online to reduce paperwork and time”.
He also added that there would be improvements in accommodation and feeding for the pilgrims.
Prince Elegushi expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their unflinching support, which he acknowledged had been of immeasurable assistance to the success of the exercise.
He also thanked the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina; Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar; Board members; Secretary and members of staff for their support and cooperation.
He extended his gratitude to the entire pilgrims for following instructions and properly conducting themselves as good Ambassadors of the State while in the holy land.
The Amir-ul-Hajj of Lagos said that their conduct prompted Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahya Lawal to describe them as the most disciplined pilgrims in the 2033 Hajj operation, during his visit to their tent in Mina.
Roll call at the press conference
Present at the briefing were, former SA to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar; Prof. Abdul Kabir Paramole (Badagry division) and Dr. (Mrs.) Faosat Dabiri (Lagos division).
Others include Alh. Yusuf Ara (Epe division). Hon. AbdulWaheed Shonibare (Ikeja division); Alh. Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu division) and the Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede.
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