In continuation of his consultative visits to stakeholders across the country, the acting Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, at the weekend, paid courtesy visits to the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou Ola and the Ansaru Deen Society of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the NAHCON boss said his decision to visit the cleric and the Muslim organization was to solicit their support and cooperation in the effort to reposition the Hajj body in serving the Ummah in general and Nigerian pilgrims in particular.
According to NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, Arabi said it was imperative for Muslim leaders to be actively involved in the enlightenment of pilgrims as part of their missionary duties as enjoined by Almighty Allah.
“I am here to remind our scholars and leaders of their religious duties to help educate our people. We cannot afford to ignore the critical roles they play in the affairs of Muslims,” Ubandawaki quoted Arabi to have said.
While assuring his hosts that he would leave no stone unturned in bringing improvements to some areas necessary in Hajj operation, Malam Arabi vowed to build on the legacy laid by NAHCON founding fathers with a view to ensuring that pilgrims get value for money in service delivery.
“As masters of change, we want you to join hands with us so that we can all succeed. So that we can make the President happy, and also the Nigerian Muslims who rallied around him too happy. Together, we can achieve the Renewed Hope of Mr President,” he said.
Speaking during Arabi’s visit to the Surulere, Lagos, headquarters of the Ansar ul Deen Society, the National President of Islamic organisation, Aare (Dr) Abdul Rafiu Ademola Sanni, expressed his appreciation to the NAHCON boss for his visit.
Sanni assured of the Society’s unflinching support and cooperation to ensure that the 2024 Hajj is successful and hitch-free, adding that it would continue to educate and encourage intending pilgrims on the need to pay their fare on time in order to enable the commission to plan its programmes.
In another development, the NAHCON CEO also paid a similar visit to Nasirullahi Fathi Society (NASFAT) at the Lagos State secretariat mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, where he restated the need for the organisation to partner with the Hajj body in working towards a successful 2024 Hajj exercise.
Arabi’s visits to the Chief Imam of Lagos and the two Islamic organisations came on the heels of his similar visits, on assuming office, to some Islamic clerics and leaders in the North.
The chairman also received briefings from senior management staff of the commission in order to develop a new pathway and strategy to ensure a successful Hajj in 2024.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Executives of State Muslims and Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions for Tuesday, October 31 holding at the conference room of the Hajj House, Abuja, from 11:00 am.
The meeting, according to Ubandawaki, was meant to strengthen the relationship between NAHCON and the state boards/agencies/commissions and also find the best ways to achieve a successful Hajj 2024.
. TheWitness
