Nigerian pilgrims head to Makkah, says NAHCON
…over 10,098 Nigerians now in Saudi for Hajj …minister gives nod to inaugural flight for 315 FCT pilgrims The first contingents of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi
…over 10,098 Nigerians now in Saudi for Hajj
…minister gives nod to inaugural flight for 315 FCT pilgrims
The first contingents of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have moved to Makkah, an official of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON said yesterday.
This followed their four days in Madinah.
The pilgrims were seen in this video performing their final rite, visiting the Prophet’s Rawdah, before departing for Makkah.
As of the time of this report, NAHCON has conducted 24 outbound flights conveying 10,098 pilgrims to Madinah.
The commission assured the pilgrims that officials of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards have already been guided and trained on the procedures for booking Rawdah visits.
According to the commission, access to the Rawdah is strictly subject to space availability and approved bookings to avoid congestion.
“Pilgrims are therefore advised to remain patient and orderly, and to heed the guidance of their Ulama regarding the validity and acceptance of their Hajj rites. Visiting the Rawdah is a blessed opportunity, but it is not a condition for the validity of Hajj, and Allah grants such opportunities according to His will,” a NAHCON official said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajia Mariya Mahmoud, has kicked off the inaugural flight of FCT Pilgrims.
At the farewell for the 315 first batch of Pilgrims held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Hajia Mahmoud urged them to uphold the values of discipline, obedience, and patriotism.
She described the commencement of the airlift operation as a historic moment and a reflection of the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful Hajj exercise.
She prayed for divine guidance, protection, and spiritual fulfilment for the pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
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The Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the FCT Administration and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
She also commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast support and leadership, which, according to her, has continued to place the FCT at the forefront of Hajj administration in Nigeria.
She emphasised the spiritual significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, urging the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and the FCT while in Saudi Arabia.
“You should see yourselves as Allah’s guests. Remain steadfast in obedience to Allah, abide by the rules and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and continue to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our nation,” she stated.
Hajia Mahmoud commended NAHCON and the Saudi-based service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiyya, for facilitating the delivery of Nusuk cards to Nigeria ahead of the pilgrimage, describing the initiative as a commendable step toward improving Hajj operations in the country.
The minister equally charged officials accompanying the pilgrims, including staff and ad hoc personnel of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, to discharge their responsibilities diligently and prioritise the welfare of the pilgrims at all times.
