An official of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), Sheikh Adam Idoko has disclosed that no fewer than 62,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been air lifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage
Idoko, who is the NAHCOM National? Commissioner in Medina, Saudi Arabia, said yesterday that so far, the operation was going on smoothly.
“Compared to three years back, this year’s hajj has been the most successful so far. The operation has been okay since the arrival of the first batch of? pilgrims from Lagos and Nasarawa states”.
He said most of the pilgrims had been transported to Medina and added that the Saudi government had been cooperative in transporting Nigerian pilgrims to Makkah.
“The only minor challenge we are encountering is the delay of the buses because we have to book 48 hours before departure to wherever we are going to,’’ he said
?Idoko appealed to the Saudi Government to keep up the momentum and work in collaboration with NAHCOM officials to ensure successful exercise.
In another development, a travel agency, Comerel Travels and Tour Limited, had in preparation for its annual hajj air lift to the holy land of Mecca organised a 2-day? course for intending pilgrims at the Shehu Yar’Adua centre yesterday.
The induction course was aimed at sensitizing intending pilgrims on how to perform Hajj rite to earn maximum reward from God.
The Amirul Hajj for Comerels Travel and Tour, Malam Saidu Ishiaku had enlightened the pilgrims on the historical origin of Hajj and the rituals expected to be performed by them. He urged the pilgrims to be patient and to persevere in seeking for Allah’s forgiveness? as well as to avoid unnecessary discussions as they embarked on the holy journey.
Comerel assured the intending pilgrims of a hitch free, comfortable and high quality service that would be equivalent in value to their money during the Hajj rite.