….As Chairman inaugurates National Media Team of 2023 Hajj
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alh. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan has said that the commission’s advance team will proceed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday 21st of May, 2023.
Alh. Hassan disclosed this on Thursday (May 18, 2023) during the official inauguration of the National Media Team to the 2023 Hajj Operations in Saudi Arabia held at Hajj House, Abuja.
He explained that the advance team comprises of NAHCON staff and part of medical team.
He added that the inaugural flight of the Pilgrims comes up on 25th of May 2023.
“Our Inaugural flight comprising the pilgrims from Nasarawa state is to commence on 25th of May, 2023 In Sha Allah”.
He assured all intending pilgrims that the commission would leave no stone unturned to ensure that they would not only have value for their money but also be airlifted at a good record time.
“I want to tell all Nigerians that this year In Sha Allah, we are fully prepared and all registered Nigerian pilgrims will be airlifted and in good time.
“Our plans still remain on course, our advance team from NAHCON will proceed to the Holy land on 21st of May, 2023, about three days time.
“We have made a pledge that every pilgrim will get value for their money they paid for in terms of services before leaving Nigeria, while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and at the point of departure”
The Chairman, who inaugurated the 2023 Hajj National Media Team, however described Media as critical stakeholders and formidable partners, just as he appealed to the team to follow the ethics of their profession in the discharge of duties before, during and after the Hajj Operations.
“The roles of media in national growth and development cannot be underestimated. Information is very critical to national unity.The way you manage the information available to you may make or mar our unity as a nation”.
“I need to remind you that the reason why the National Media Team of the NAHCON was conceived is to enhance and promote the unity of purpose. From now on, you are our strategic partners and major stakeholders as far as 2023 Hajj exercise is concerned”.
“As our partners we do not require you to praisesing us but your support and cooperation count. We can’t be everywhere, sometimes when you notice there is a delay in delivery of service, please call our attention to it as our partners.
“We also request from you to clear with us before you go on the Internet. Because sometimes there might be need for clarification and if the news goes out, calling it back becomes impossible”.
“In reporting, don’t forget you are first and foremost a Muslim, portray Islam and NAHCON in a light that will be endearing to many. I hope you will oblige this request from me to you?”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Comiissioner Planning, Research, Statistics and Information and Library Services, Sheikh Suleman Mommoh congratulated the media team for being chosen out of numerous practitioners and advised them to justify the confidence reposed in them through the provision of adequate, credible and balanced reportage of Hajj operations.
Also speaking, the Commissioner, Policy Personnel Management and Finace Department, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakasai urged the media team to be very objective in their reports and ensure that the interests of Islam, Nigeria and NAHCON are given utmost priority in their reports so as to achieve the purpose for which they were engaged by the commission.
Presiding over the interaction with the media team shortly after the inauguration, the NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki availed the team with the necessary information on how they are expected to carry out their professional assignments in the holy land and wished them a successful and reward oriented Hajj exercise.
Ends
