* Seeks support, blessings for Hajj 2025
In continuing engagement with stakeholders, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) management team led by its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Wednesday, 18th December, paid a separate visit to three important personalities in Lagos State.
They are the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Oba of Lagos, HM, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy.
Muslim News gathered that the meeting took place a day after the NAHCON boss and his team arrived in Lagos in continuation of his nationwide tour to engage governors, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to garner support and blessings for next year’s hajj.
Visit to Deputy Governor
Speaking during the visit to the Deputy Governor, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman said the Commission has gone far in its preparations for 2025 Hajj, noting that screening of airlines had been completed.
Prof Saleh Usman disclosed that Hajj fare will soon be announced, adding that meeting has been held with state officials to fine tune other arrangements.
The NAHCON Boss further stated that, plans have been perfected to secure tent A at Mina for any VIP or Government officials.
In his reaction, Dr. Kadri Hamzat reiterated government’s commitment to support the national Hajj agency to carry out its mandate successfully.
The deputy governor advised NAHCON to find ways to reduce the number of days Pilgrims spend in Saudi Arabia, addresses the issue of visa challenges as well as feeding arrangements.
The Deputy Governor then prayed for success in Hajj administration.
Visit to Oba of Lagos
While making his remarks at Oba Akiolu’s palace in Lagos, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Usman sought the support of the traditional rulers in educating pilgrims about the Hajj rites and the civic responsibilities associated with it.
He also asked the Oba to help in telling the Muslim Umma about the Hajj Savings Scheme and its importance towards addressing challenges facing Hajj operation in Nigeria.
Responding, Oba Akiolu appreciated NAHCON for the visit, calling on the Chairman, his team and other Hajj managers to discharge their duties in line with the teaching of Islam.
Visit to Lagos Central Mosque
The NAHCON team led by the Chairman was also at the Lagos Central Mosque where they were received by the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy.
Speaking on behalf of LCM Executive Council Members, the Baba Adinni of Lagos reiterated the need for adequate supervision of hajj operations, noting that Nigerians raised numerous complaints over the previous hajj operation.
Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy mentioned that Lagos Central Mosque was part of the NAHCON hajj committee, set up by Brigadier Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, requesting that LCM should be reconstituted back into the commission committee.
“Yar’Adua signed the letter and I still have the copy with me,” he affirmed.
The NAHCON Chairman thanked the council’s elders and promised to come back to discuss pressing issues concerning the hajj exercise.
NAHCON, Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi said that the NAHCON Chairman will be welcoming correspondence from the LCM council of elders.
Also in attendance are: Dr. Jubril Oyekan, Alh. Chief Akeem Apatira, Alh. Jaleel Animashaun, Alh. Rafiu Ebiti, Alh. Chief A.A. Mustapha and Alh. Chief Surajudeen Lawal, among others.
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