Acting chairman of the National Hajj commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, has urged officials of the commission to promote the welfare of pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia for their holy pilgrimage.
Muhammad gave the charge weekend shortly before the first batch of 39 officials departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for Saudi Arabia.
The officials, according to a statement by the Head of NAHCON’s Public Affairs Division, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, are to coordinate the activities of this year’s Hajj in the holyland.
Muhammad therefore tasked them to ensure team work, focus, committed and discipline while discharging their duties, emphasizing the importance of their good conduct to the image of Nigeria.
The NAHCON boss also reminded the officials that their behavior and commitment were crucial to the success of Hajj exercise.
According to him, “the impression they create is the yardstick that will be used to judge Nigerian pilgrims”.
Muhammad therefore urged them “to respect and treat all pilgrims well without discrimination, respect constituted authorities and maintain the spirit of brotherhood among all pilgrims irrespective of their nationality”.
He also enjoined them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, other leaders at all levels and the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj operations.
The statement explained that the officials would be responsible for receiving pilgrims in Madinah and Jeddah airports, their feeding, beddings in various accommodations, security, transportation, enlightenment and general monitoring.
The advance team, led by the acting secretary of the commission, was expected to liaise with Saudi authorities in coordinating movements of pilgrims and updating the relevant authorities on new developments from the host country.
