Religion

Hajj 2020: NAHCON to Make Declaration in Two Weeks

By Web News 680

Amidst the anxiety and uncertainty over whether the 2020 Hajj will hold or not the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has declared that the commission would give a categorical statement at the end of Ramadan.

The Chairman who made this known during a Radio Nigeria network service programme, HAJJ: A Spiritual Journey”, on Friday, said it was impossible for the commission to make a definitive statement on whether or not the pilgrimage would take place this year.

He, however, expressed optimism that as soon as the coast is cleared from the Saudi end, the Commission would immediately announce its own decision.

” I can be able to give you a definite answer after the Ramadan which is in two weeks time when the Saudi Arabia authorities would have agreed on whether it would hold and if it would hold. Of course talk is ongoing. The modalities and everything about 2020 Hajj. I will tell Nigerians. “

According to Alhaji Zikrullah, the opening of the two Holy mosques in Makkah and Madina could be a pointer to the hope that Hajj 2020 may take place.

He emphasised that with the Covid-19 pandemic, the commission would not compromise the health and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

The Commission has embarked on an extensive collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Health on the sensitization of intending pilgrims to ensure they are acquainted with the basic rules of engagement like social distancing, use of face mask and personal hygiene so that they don’t contact the virus nor serve as a catalyst of it’s spread, the chairman added.

FRCN Abuja

Religion

Pilgrims: NAHCON Commends Saudi Authorities

By Web News 726

The Saudi authorities have been commended over their special consideration and concessions to ease this year’s Hajj exercise for Nigerian Pilgrims.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad made the commendation in his opening remarks at the Pre-Arafat stakeholders meeting in Makkah.

He outlined some of the considerations and concessions to include the facilities provided for the pilgrims in Muna, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and the latitude for continued payment of this year’s Hajj fares up to some few days to the commencement of the exercise.

Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar, also thanked the Nigerian Embassy, and the consulate for their untiring cooperation and support towards a successful Hajj exercise.

The chairman called on all stakeholders for more support and cooperation to ensure that this year’s exercise was diligently executed to the satisfaction of all.

He advised the Ulamaa to guard against scholarly arguments that may be confusing to the ordinary pilgrim who requires to be educated only on the basics of the Hajj rites.

Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar also called on private Tour Operators to live up to expectation in diligently giving their pilgrims value for their money, warning that any dereliction of responsibility would be met with the full wrath of the stipulated sanctions.

Nafiu Busari