Economic Recession: Hajj Commission Organises Prayer for Nigeria

Jameelah Sanda in Mina Saudi Arabia

Following the economic recession and several challenges facing the country, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) monday organised prayers for Nigeria on the plane of Arafat in Saudi Arabia.

The prayer, which was said in five different languages invoked Allah to grant President Muhammadu Buhari the wisdom and sincerity to govern the country effectively.

The prayer warriors also prayed for the peace, prosperity and development of the country.
One of the shcolars who conducted the prayers in English language prayed to Allah to relieve the country from the current economic downturn and guide it to the path of sustained development.

Earlier, the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mallam Abdullahi Muktar, in a media briefing on the plane of Arafat, encouraged officials of the commission to adopt the spirit of volunteering to officiate the activities of Hajj without partaking in the Hajj exercise.

On the welfare of female pilgrims, the chairman encouraged male pilgrims to protect their female counterparts while observing the rites of Hajj

Muktar further advised female pilgrims to always move in groups for the purpose of their safety and security.

The hajj commission boss, who did not perform this year’s hajj in other to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are well attended to and accounted for, called on Nigerians to always sacrifice for one another.

Pilgrims who spoke to THISDAY commended the hajj commission boss for his sacrifice saying that they have never had it this good over the years.

“Mallam Abdullahi Muktar has led by example; he did not perform the hajj because he wanted to ensure that everything goes on well. I can attest to the fact that this year has been fantastic. Accommodation has been top class, we have been fed for free and movements to several sites have been seamless, “said a pilgrim from Kwara State.

Ahead of the pilgrimage rites that began last week in Makkah, the Consulate General of Nigeria and Charge d’affair in Saudi Arabia had praised NAHCON for the number of innovations brought into the 2016 Hajj administration.

The envoys gave the commendation at the stakeholders Pre Arafat meeting held at Badar Hall, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

In their assessments, the introduction of feeding of pilgrims in Makkah , Medina Mina and Arafat has ensured marked improvement in the welfare of pilgrims as well as the transportation system.
According to them, the idea of feeding the pilgrims and housing them in the highbrow Markaziya area in Madina has not only reduce the incidences of illness but also the stress of walking long distances to the holy mosque in Medina.

They however called for more collaborative efforts between the state boards and the commission to ensure that pilgrims abide strictly by Saudi regulations.

Speaking in the same vein, the Etsu Nupe and Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Yahaya Abubakar, said NAHCON’s feats need to be applauded as it had ensured continued success of Hajj performance in the country since its creation.

In a related development, the Nigerian Consulate has revealed that the seized wristband by the Saudi Arabian government would soon be released as the embassy was in advanced talks with the host government to ensure the release of the wrist band to the states for eventual