By Ajape Sefiu A.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says its 43 – member advance team will today, Sunday , May 12, 2024 depart Abuja for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It said the departure of the team marks the commencement of the 2024 pilgrimage activities.
Malam Mousa Ubandanwaki, Deputy Director, Information & Publications, of NAHCON, disclosed this ina statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Ubandanwaki , explained that the team is made up of 35 NAHCON officials and eight Medical Personnel.
According to him, the team will be in Saudi Arabia for final preparations to receive the first set of Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State, who would be arriving the Kingdom on May 15.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission had scheduled May 15 for the inaugural flight for the 2024 hajj.
He added that the Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, while addressing the team urged them to live up to expectations by discharging their duties in accordance with their mandate.
Arabi noted that the performance of the team could make or mar the success of the exercise.
”You are the first point of call or contact with the pilgrims.
“Their impression and perception of your action or activities will go a long way towards assessing the commission.
“If you get it right, we get it right and on the contrary, if you get it wrong, the rest will just be about crisis management.
“Therefore, you must be up and doing in order to earn our reward here and that of Allah in the Hereafter, for treating His Guests well.
“They are the reason you are there, so at every point in time, make sure you attend or treat them with courtesy and respect,” he said.
Arabi, however, warned that the commission would take drastic steps against anyone who may be reported to have deviated from the rules of engagement.
The NAHCON boss stated that he would not hesitate to recall any staff accused of dereliction of duties.
He further called on them to “take the admonition seriously.”
Arabi said : “The bar has been raised and the expectation is high.
”You have been carefully selected because of the trust we have in you and as such, you need to brace up.
”Laxity and procrastination will not be tolerated.”
He also stressed the need for the medical personnel to respect their patients and pilgrims ” on whose essence they were going there.”
Responding on behalf of the team, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, who is the Madina Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the management for the trust and confidence reposed in them.
He assured of their determination and readiness to make this year’s hajj more successful than the previous ones.
“We will ensure that pilgrims get value for money and also do everything possible that pilgrims perform their Hajj rites without hitches Insha Allah.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the team is to organise and coordinate the reception, accommodation, feeding and transportation, health and general welfare of the pilgrim held in the Holy land throughout the Hajj period. (NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)
