The Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahya Lawal has acknowledged the display of good conduct by the Lagos State pilgrims during the just concluded Hajj exercise.
He also described the Lagos contingent as one of the most disciplined States in Nigeria.
Ambassador Lawal gave applause when he led a delegation which included the Consular-General and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ambassador Bello Kazaure; the Chairman/CEO of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alh. Zikhrullah Kunle Hassan and other top Executives of the agency on a courtesy visit to the Lagos Pilgrims.
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The diplomat who explained that the delegation paid the visit based on the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, however, extended his best wishes to the entire pilgrims.
He said: “The President requested that the team should visit the pilgrims and we are impressed with their exemplary conduct which was a reflection of the effective and efficient works the Amir-ul-Hajj and other officials of the State government have put in place.”
He urged the pilgrims to pray for the progress, stability, peace, security and well-being of Nigeria.
The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alh. Zikhrullah Kunle Hassan absolved Lagos State of any blame in respect of the challenges faced by the pilgrims over inadequate allocation of bed spaces and meals in Mina, saying neither NAHCON nor the State officials are to blame.
While noting that Hajj is about challenges and sacrifices, the NAHCON boss however apologized to the pilgrims for all the shortcomings and difficulties they have passed through. He prayed that Allah would accept their Hajj as an act of ibaadah and reward them with Aljanat Fridaus.
Speaking about the patience and perseverance displayed by the pilgrims, the State Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Anofiu Elegushi said that they have been so enduring even though they were not comfortable with the inadequacies in the provision of bed spaces and the kind of meals served by the Saudi caterers engaged by the service providers in whose care the welfare of the pilgrims was placed.
He appealed to NAHCON to prevail on the Saudi Arabian authorities to hand over the kitchen to each of the participating States, saying that they are in the best position to provide local delicacies for their pilgrims through reputable caterers during subsequent exercises.
He also expressed the hope that NAHCON would ensure that airlifting of the pilgrims back to Nigeria commences as soon as possible and is seamless.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that it will begin airlifting the pilgrims back to Nigeria on Tuesday 4th of July starting with the special flight.
The Special flights according to the Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj, Prince Anofiu Elegushi will cater to the aged, sick pilgrims and others with special attention.
