“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,” – Ahmad Arabi

By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja

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 OON, FWC, paid courtesy visits to the Chief Imam of Lagos, Fadilat Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou Ola, and the Ansarul-deen Society of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki and made available to Journalists in Abuja

According to the statement, “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 Commission in serving the ummah in general and the pilgrims in particular.”

According to him, it is 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,” he said.

Malam Arabi, therefore, assured his hosts that he would leave no stone unturned in bringing improvements to some areas necessary in Hajj operation and vowed to build on the legacy laid by the founding fathers of the commission to ensure 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.

The NAHCON’s helmsman, who was received by the leadership of Ansarul Deen Society Worldwide led by the National President, AARE (DR) Abdul Rafiu Ademola Sanni at the Surulere Headquarters, expressed appreciation to the NAHCON boss for his visit and assured the Society’s unflinching support and cooperation to ensure that the 2024 Hajj is successful and hitch-free. He stated that the society would continue to educate and encourage intending pilgrims on the need to pay their fare on time to enable the commission to plan its programs.

In the same vein, the NAHCON also paid a similar visit to Nasirullahi Fathi Society (NASFAT) at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, where he restated the need for the organization to partner with the commission in working towards a successful Hajj 2024 exercise.

Recall that the NAHCON chairman has, on assuming office, made similar visits to some Islamic clerics and leaders in the North, as well as 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.

In a related development, the Commission has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Executives of State Muslims and Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions at the Conference room of the Hajj House, Abuja, on Tuesday, 31st October 2023, beginning at 11:00 am with the objective of strengthening the relationship between the two and finding the best ways to achieve a successful Hajj 2024.