By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Bayelsa Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has appealed to the State Government to deploy more personnel to the board to ease its operations.

The board’s Executive Secretary, Amirah Dokubo-Asari, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said there are just two people managing issues that have to do with muslim pilgrimage under the board.

Dokubo-Asari spoke on the sideline of Post-Arafat meeting organised by the National Hajj commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Sunday in Makkah.

She said that the situation had made managing Hajj operation in the state extremely tasking.

” In Bayelsa the problem I have is that we are understaffed; from the Muslim wing we just have two people who do this operation, myself and my Chairman and it is really hectic.

“We have to always work, we don’t have helping hands, we have to make sure everybody is safe, so it is really tiring sometimes.

“We have been doing it and we will continue to do it, but I will like the state government to actually deploy some Muslim civil servants to help us with the hajj operations, so that they can lighten the weight of the job that we do here.

“Hajj operation isn’t made for just two people, basically the load is really too much and we will surely need some helping hands.”

The executive secretary described the 2023 Hajj operation as very smooth for Bayelsa pilgrims.

“Concerning the ongoing 2023 hajj operation I can say for me it has actually been smooth. I brought in 59 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to God be the glory, each of them is sound and safe.

“The operation has been going smoothly, we have done the whole rites of hajj, it is just remaining the farewell Dawaf, which is the circumambulation of the Ka’aba.

“The only challenge we faced is the weather in Saudi Arabia, which is really very hot and makes people get very tired because of the impact of the sun.”

On the accommodation arrangement in Mina, she said that though the tents were congested, no pilgrim from Bayelsa was left to sleep outside, unlike many states that had such issue. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Stakeholders in the Hajj Industry have commended the performance of the Aero Contractors on the outbound movement of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.

They made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Idris Al-Makura, said the airline performed very well to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

According to him, this is the first time an indigenous airline has come out to showcase its capacity.

“To be honest, at the beginning I was very skeptical about the issue because out of the blues we just heard about Aero Contractors which has not engaged in the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia before.

“So I was very scared that maybe the airline might not be able to make it and we might have a disappointment at the end of the day, but as God will have it, I met with the Aero Contractor team including its Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Maifata.

“We held a meeting to discuss the modalities of the operation and we left everything in the hands of God and as God will have it, I’m very happy, not only myself but also all colleagues in Oyo, Adamawa, Taraba states and even the FCT and Kaduna state that were rescued by the airline. They are very happy.”

He said that initially, the National Hajj commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) allocated about 7,000 pilgrims to Aero Contractors but after being impressed with its performance, the commission increased the allocation to 11,600.

“By next year, if we are still in the system, we will recommend that 40 per cent of the total Nigerian pilgrims should be lifted by Aero contractors.”

Also, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, applauded the airline for the professional and effective way it handled the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims.

“It is great working with the Aero Contractors team, which handled the transportation of our pilgrims with a professional and mature touch.

“We appreciate the Chairman and if we are given hundreds of choices, we shall choose Aero contractors again and again and again! We are proud of the Aero Contractors team.”

Responding, the Coordinating Officer of Aero Contractors for the 2023 hajj, Alhaji Liman Usman, said from the beginning, all the state pilgrims board allocated to the airline were not comfortable with the ability of the airline to discharge its duties effectively.

“We are first timers in the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Lots of people were not sure if we can deliver, people speculated that we will not make it at all but by the grace of God, were able to deliver successfully.”

According to him, initially, the airline was given about 7,200 pilgrims from Oyo, Nasarawa, Adamawa and Taraba States but at the end of the day, we were able to transport additional 9,00 pilgrims from the FCT and another 9,000 pilgrims from Kaduna state.

“These are extra four flights from Kaduna and the FCT. FCT pilgrims were allocated to Air Peace and due to some reasons we were asked to come in and rescue its pilgrims.

“Azman airline was assigned to transport Kaduna state pilgrims but at the end of the day, we also recused some of the state pilgrims and at the same time, we added one flight from the National Assembly.

“For the last flight, we came with few travel agents and all our staff so in total, we transported 11,876 piwlgrims.”

He assured that the company would surpass its performance in the inbound movement of pilgrims back to Nigeria

“We have started making preparations toward that and by God’s grace we will achieve success.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Sunday decried the invasion of Mina and Arafat by fake pilgrims which resulted in inadequate tents.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, stated this during a working visit to Mutawif for Pilgrims from African non-Arab countries, in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“First, I will like to react to the fact that there was an invasion of this year’s Hajj by illegal pilgrims and it was embarrassing.

“I don’t know the percentage but we saw people who had no business in Mina and few days later they turned Mina into a market place and a carnival.

“However, we were not in a position to checkmate them. We do not have the security control because there was no way we can handle the issue, an embarrassment to us.

“There was no way we can check them. Only the appropriate authorities can do that.”

Hassan said that the same tent space used for the 2022 Hajj of about 43,000 pilgrims, was the same tent Nigeria used for 95,000 pilgrims for this year’s hajj.

“In view of the inadequate tent space, many pilgrims who looked towards an enjoyable Hajj had to find themselves under the sun for days.

“And they had nowhere to go but remain under the sun. Many didn’t know that the best we can do as a Hajj mission is only to complain. We had no power or control over the issue.

“We were just helpless and this is not a good one for the pilgrims who have looked towards an enjoyable Hajj.”

He said like the issue of tent, the issue of food was poorly served by the company, adding that meals had no Nigerian touch.

According to him, this year, very many food served to pilgrims were not eaten and even they came, they were very late.

“NAHCON was helpless on the issues of the tent space and feeding. We had no control and management but we take the blame because the pilgrims know us they don’t know you.

“They believed we were responsible, yet we are helpless. We also went through the pain. Some of our places were turned like a refuse dump and at times some of our toilets lacked water.”

The NAHCON boss, therefore, demanded that going forward, the commission should be allowed to handle feeding of pilgrims at Mina and Arafat to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims get value for their money.

“As far as feeding is concerned, I think it should just return to the commission because if you return feeding to us we will be able to manage our problems among ourselves.

“We will be able to screen the caterers and ensure that they have the Nigerian touch. The food we had this year doesn’t have the Nigerian touch at all.

“And, therefore, we will write a letter of request for refund.”

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretaries of the 36 States and the FCT Chairmen of Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar of Adamawa, said the contacted company was taking a risk by insisting on feeding pilgrims in Mina and Arafat.

He said every state board complained about the lack of food, adding that the contracted company will fast loose its image and the confidence of the pilgrims.

“He cited the Adamawa State pilgrims tents, where there was no lunch and dinner on June 26 and there was no breakfast on June 27 and there was very few plates of lunch given on June 27.

“It was when we were on our way to Muzzalifah that food packs that do not contain water and juice, were given to us and I, as the Executive Secretary and my entire tent, didn’t have a single bottle of water and there was nowhere we could get water.

“On reaching Muzdalifah, some of us trekked up to Jamrat and we came back to our tents in Mina on 28 June and there was no food, no breakfast and no lunch.”

Responding, Mr Bador Bafakeeh, the Chief Executive of the contracted company, said the company observed the huge number of illegal pilgrims in the Nigerian tents in Mina and Arafat which made most of the tents very crowded.

According to him, the company checked all the number of pilgrims which increased to maybe 30 to 40 per cent than the agreed number.

“The tents were customized with the number of pilgrims agreed on and we tried to maintain it with the food and all utility services we agreed on.

“Most of our video records shows that there was many illegal pilgrims in different tents when we were sharing food. A lot of official report had been written regarding all of these cases from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and some government entities.”

He assured that the company would look into all the issues raised by NAHCON and subsequently convey another meeting with the commission and all stakeholders to find a common ground. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has emphasised the need for governors to have a peer review mechanism on Hajj management with a view to promoting good governance.

Mohammed, who is currently performing Hajj in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, made the call while answering questions from newsmen.

He said that his administration built an ultra modern Permanent Hajj Transit Camp, which is the biggest in Nigeria and West African sub-region, out of commitment to enhance service delivery and good governance.

“Bauchi State Hajj Camp is part of good governance. The majority of our people going for Hajj is part of their religion and the annual activity that they do. They also pay for this and we should show them good governance from the point of take off.

“I built that Hajj Camp as a benchmark for others to copy. Because we are not just proud of it, we want to show that we are one of the best and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has also recognised this.

Bauchi State Ultra Modern Permanent Hajj Transit Camp[/captio

“And for my colleagues and other governors, we should have a peer review mechanism because they have something to learn from this and I can also learn from other governors on the aspect of good governance,” said Mohammed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bauchi state bagged a prestigious award of excellence as the state with Modern Hajj Camp in Nigeria and overall in camping activities during the 2022 Hajj operation.

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation monitoring Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia, organised the Hajj Lecture/Award on Sept. 22, 2022, at the National Mosque Auditorium, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Saudi Arabian Ministry for Hajj and Umrah, on Friday in Makkah unveiled a roadmap for the 2024 Hajj.

The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, unveils the roadmap at a ceremony attended by the Heads and Representatives of Hajj Missions in the Kingdom.

The meeting was to mark the end of 2023 Hajj exercise.

He said that the preparations for the 2024 Hajj would begins immediately with the issuance of letters to each country that announced the commencement of preparations.

Al Rabiah added that letters of confirmation of number of pilgrims slots for 2024 Hajj would also be issued to participating countries.

He listed the highlights of the 2014 hajj roadmap to include holding of preparatory meetings from Sept. 16 to Nov. 4, and organising of an International Symposium and Exhibition on Jan. 8, 2024.

“Conclusion of Accommodation and Masha’er Contracts: February 25th, 2024, commencement of Visa Issuance in March, 1st, 2024, closing of Visa Issuance in April 29th, 2024 and arrival of 1st set of 2024 Pilgrims into Saudi Arabia in May 9, 2024.”

Al Rabiah stated that the first Hajj Mission to conclude all preparations would have the opportunity to choose its preferred locations at the Masha’er (Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah) for 2024 Hajj.

The minister thanked all agencies and hajj missions for their roles in the 2023 exercise and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of Allah in the best manner possible by obtaining feedback from hajj Missions and improving on its services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoints of the event was the announcement of winners for the 2023 Labbaikum Hajj Services award in which Iraq emerged the overall best hajj mission for the 2023 Hajj.

Other countries like Malaysia, Gambia, Bahrain, Singapore, South Africa and Azerbaijan were recognised for excellence in various aspects of the hajj operations. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Salisu Sani-Idris

A female pilgrim from the FCT, Hajiya Amina Yunusa, passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Malam Abubakar Evuti, the Director of the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, confirmed the sad incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Makkah.

” With total submission to Allah, the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board MPWB hereby announce the death of Yunusa.

” May Allah forgive her short comings, accept her act of worship and grant her Aljannat.”

The director, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, advised them to accept her death as the will of Allah.

” We should take solace in the fact that she passed on in the holy city of Makkah after performing Hajj Mabroor(acceptable hajj), which has the reward of Aljannatul Firdausi, as related in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. (NAN)
SSI/SH

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives says the National Assembly will engage the appropriate Saudi Arabian authorities to provide improved services to Nigerian pilgrims in 2024.

Abdullahi, who represents Gbako/ Bida/Katcha Federal Constituency of Niger, made this known at an interactive session with newsmen, on Friday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to him, there are gaps in terms of logistics and movement of the pilgrims from one location to the other.

He said that NASS would deliberate on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reports for the 2023 Hajj operation and identify areas that could be improved

Abdullahi said: ” We notice some areas of concern and hopefully by the time the National Assembly resume, we will raise on its instrumentality to bring about solutions to some of the gaps that we have identified.

” We expect the NAHCON will come up with a report, so that we interface with the appropriate authorities of Saudi Arabia and see areas where there can be improvement in 2024 Hajj.”

The lawmaker, however, commended the leadership of NAHCON for their efforts in management of hajj over the years.

” It’s been so far so good of course for an operation like this when you have people coming from different spares of life from all around the globe you don’t expect it to be perfect.

”I think that is one of the reasons why we have come to see things for ourselves

” I’m on the entourage of Gov. Umar Bago of Niger who is here for us to look at the hitches so that we can improve Hajj operations in the subsequent years.

” But, so far so good, we must give kudos to the organisers especially the National Hajj commission of Nigeria on what they have done is been a work in progress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani