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Tag: pilgrims

  • Amirul Hajj to pilgrims: pray for successful 2019 elections

    The Lagos State Amirul Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for successful 2019 general elections.

    AbdulLateef, while addressing pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, said Nigeria would experience rapid growth, if leaders and the led sacrifice their ego and work selflessly.

    Stressing that sacrifice made by all and sundry could lead Nigeria back to the path of fulfilment, the commissioner explained that sacrifice was the bedrock of the sallah festival as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim and his Son, Ismail.

    He implored people to reflect on the essence of the festival.

    He said: “Don’t just celebrate by slaughtering rams. Eid-il-Adha is otherwise known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The essence of the festival was to teach selflessness, humility, obedience and sacrifice. Allah does not need the blood or flesh of the animal you slaughtered but your piety.

    “Sacrifice your food by providing food for those who are hungry, sacrifice your mansions by providing shelter for the displaced and homeless ones, put smiles on the faces of people in sorrow and the needy. There are many things you have been blessed with that you can sacrifice part of it to better the lives of fellow Nigerians.”

    The commissioner advised Nigerians to sacrifice their ego, pride and talents bestowed on them and work with others to promote religious tolerance, love for fellow citizens, unity and peaceful coexistence among people of different tribes.

    “We cannot build a formidable nation without working together; we cannot live happily as citizens without loving one another. Our unity and cooperation is sacrosanct to all round development and growth. Sacrifice what you have to add value to Nigeria,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to elect good people in the next year’s elections.

    He said: “Nigerians must rise up in defence for our democracy by active participation in politics. People should go beyond social media lamentations to exercise their franchise by voting people with the fear of God. Those who failed to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC); those who distance themselves from voting during elections are not helping the country. Your vote is your power, vote wisely and shun money bags politics.”.

    Dr Abdullateef enjoined Nigerians seeking elective positions to renew their commitment to serving people with dignity without heating up the polity.

  • Eid-el Kabir: Masari doles out N72, 231, 350 gift to Pilgrims

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state, on Tuesday announced a cash gift of N72, 231, 350, to about 2500 pilgrims from the state who were performing this year’s Haj in Saudi Arabia, as Sallah gift

    Each Pilgrim was given the sum of three hundred Saudi Riyals, equivalent to N28, 892.54, when converted at the rate of N96.31 to the Riyal

    The Amirul hajj and leader of Katsina state delegation and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Yahaya kusada disclosed the donation when he visited the rants of the pilgrims at Arafat ground while they are performing their prayers.

    Kusada who further expressed happiness over the way and manner the pilgrims conducted themselves during the period, called on them to continue in that regard. He also urged them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Masari so as to enable them continue their good works

    Meanwhile Governor Aminu Bello Masari has felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el Kabir, calling for more sacrifice and obedience to leaders in the true spirit of the religious occasion.

    A press release from the Special Assistant (Media),to the governor, Abdul Labaran, quoted the him as saying that religious occasions were moments which citizens should use for both merriment and sober reflection for the advancement of the society.

    He said “For Muslims across the globe the importance of the Eid-el Kabir cannot be over emphasized, as it signifies sacrifice and unquestioned obedience to the command of Allah (SWT) by Prophet Ibrahim( AS)’’.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari felicitates with Muslims, urges harmony, tolerance

    “For us in Nigeria, regardless of creed, the significance of the lesson of the occasion cannot be more poignant, coming at a time when our nation requires from each of us the twin virtues of sacrifice and obedience’’.

    “There is no doubt that Nigeria is facing serious challenges which the leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari is pulling out all the stops to address. The APC administration means well for all Nigerian citizens’’.

    Masari further urged the citizens to assist the leadership to successfully navigate the country out of the dire straits in every positive way and not allowing differences in religion, region and ethnicity to be used by those averse to the advancement of the nation to divide the country.

    He said “We must resist, reject and renounce politics of negative instincts, and put a distance between us and the proponents and promoters of such divisive tendencies, as their interest is at variance with the Nation’s”.

  • 37, 746 Nigerians among two million pilgrims on Mount Arafat

    About 55, 746 Nigerians have joined two million fellow Muslims on the plains of Mount Arafat today, August 20, in commemoration of the Hajj holy rites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

    Being the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj), widely known as the Day of Arafat, pilgrims of vast nationalities trooped from their previous camp in the tent city of Mina, to nearby plains of Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his farewell sermon, according to Islamic tenets.

    Before their departure for Mina, for an onward journey to Arafat, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullah Mukhtar Muhammad, admonished the Nigerian contingent to be of sterling conduct.

    Muhammad made the plea at a stakeholders/orientation meeting held a day before the pilgrims’ departed for Mina, and urged the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to ensure total abidance with RSA regulations and guidelines for a smooth Hajj exercise.

    Counselling cooperation among officials and between pilgrims, the NAHCON boss stated that failure to comply with the rules, would bring the Nigerian contingent to disrepute and imperil the orderly system established by their host nation. This could also endanger pilgrims from other countries.

    At the meeting, the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Isa Dodo, also urged the officials to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.

    He urged welfare officers to guarantee the Pilgrims comfort by providing good health facilities and conducive living arrangement, particularly at the Mashaa’ir (religious) sites. He pledged to assist the Nigerian contingent in areas that they might be needing help from his office.

    Nigeria on Friday, last week, concluded the transportation of pilgrims to this year’s Hajj with the arrival of about 55, 746 pilgrims. Of the figure, about 37, 746 pilgrims were airlifted by NAHCON to the holy city while the remainder of the figure were transported by independent tour operators.

    On Mount Arafat, pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for God’s abundant forgiveness, while clerics admonish them on issues of religious and moral importance. The day closes upon the recitation of the evening prayer of Al Maghrib.

  • Hajj 2018: NAHCON outlaws political campaign in Mina

    Barrister Abdullah Muktar Muhammad, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON ), has read the riot act to pilgrims seeking to politicise the 2018 Hajj exercise.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ conference on Saturday, August 18, at the Al Raqiyyah hall, Ring road, Khalidiyya 3, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Muhammad warned state officials and other operations staff to prevent pilgrims from displaying banners or embarking on political campaign of any nature during the Hajj exercise.

    According to him, such activity is frowned at by the host nation and it vitiates the essence of the spiritual activities during Hajj.

    Muhammad sounded the note of warning as the pilgrims prepare to depart to the tent city in Mina as part of the spiritual activities.

    He also advised officers of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to comply with host nation, Saudi Arabia’s operational rules and regulations, and ensure that pilgrims do likewise, to guarantee a hitch-free Hajj exercise.

    Read Also: 37, 746 Nigerians among two million pilgrims on Mount Arafat

    Muhammad urged pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and stability at the forthcoming general elections, adding that from 2019, the pocket money of state-sponsored pilgrims would be remitted with their fare, to facilitate easier disbursement of the money by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    To emphasise NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring smooth operations, team leads and senior staff of the organisation highlighted steps been taken to improve the 2018 Hajj experience.

    In response, representatives of tour operators and state officials thanked Muhammad for his support and promised to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure the success of the Hajj operations.

    Also in attendance at the conference, were the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Muhammadu Isa Dodo, the Consul General of Nigeria, Jeddah, Muh’d Sani Yunusa among others.

     

     

  • ‘15,694 Nigerian pilgrims now in Saudi Arabia’

    No fewer than 15,694 Nigerians are currently in Madinah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The pilgrims who started arriving in the Holy land on July 21, were transported by Max Air Limited, FLY NAS and Medview airlines in 38 flights from various destinations including Abuja, Lagos and Kano.

    The figures were provided in a NAHCON flight statistics obtained by NAN on Monday in Madinah.

    The latest flight by FLY NASS on Monday transported 218 prospective pilgrims from Kebbi to Madinah, while 2,707 of the total number of the pilgrims are already in Makkah to begin the formal Hajj rites.

    Transportation of pilgrims from the six designated airports in Nigeria continues.

    Meanwhile, officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), headed by its Madinah Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Maigari, on Monday returned the Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) to a Nasarawa State pilgrim, Nuhu Musa, who lost the money.

    Musa had lost 606 dollars and N10,000 cash in his hotel accommodation; but one of the hotel workers, who found it, promptly handed it over to the management which in turn alerted the NAHCON leader.

    Maigari, at the handing over ceremony, cautioned pilgrims against careless handling of their BTA.

    He advised them to be vigilant and careful in transacting business deals and commended the hotel workers for being honesty.

    Maigari handed over the amount to Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf, an official of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Board, who gave it to Musa. (NAN)

  • Lagos urges good conduct among pilgrims

    The Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, has urged intending Christian pilgrims with the state government to be good ambassadors of the state.

    She said this would sustain the excellence which the state had been known for in the international community.

    Mrs. Awoseyi spoke at this year’s service of dedication for Easter intending pilgrims to Israel at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, the state capital.

    A statement by the Head of Public Affairs Unit of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims and Welfare Board, Simbo Uviesherhe, said permanent secretary urged the intending pilgrims to shun every act that can tarnish the image of the state and the country.

    She said God is more than able to put the present situation in Nigeria under control and shame the enemies of the country, as He has done for other countries that had confronted similar challenges.

     

  • Hajj 2018: Medical team cautions pilgrims against health hazards

    The Nigerian Hajj Medical Team on Monday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, cautioned pilgrims against environmental hazards arising from harsh weather conditions during the Hajj in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

    Dr Muhammad Abdulkadir, Head of the Medical Team, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), told our reporter that “the most important health advice to pilgrims now is to maintain personal hygiene and observe environmental sanitation”.

    “They must eat well and avoid junk food from vendors that are not certified and they must take adequate water as they move around.

    “The weather in Madinah is very harsh and the temperatures are high, so pilgrims are at the risk of getting dehydrated. Therefore, they need plenty of water frequently.”

    He said the team had taken adequate measures to attend to medical needs of pilgrims in the Holy land, adding that eight members, including nurses and five doctors, were already on ground ahead of arrival of pilgrims in Madinah.

    Abdulkadir said the team had mobilised its drugs and equipment from Jeddah and finally established its main clinic in Madinah at NAHCON office.

    “We have established two outreach centres near our pilgrims to provide immediate first aid treatment services and those who need other management will be transported in our ambulances to the main clinic.

    “There is arrangement where severe cases that need admission will be referred to Saudi medical and reference centres. We are fully ready to take off our operations because our drugs and equipment are intact.”

    Abdulkadir added that drug and equipment supply to the team would not be done at once, “it is done according to needs and what we have now is adequate to start our operations”.

    The medical doctor explained that there was a standard Procurement Committee responsible for procurement and supply of medical equipment, adding that another set of pharmacists was expected soon to join the operation.

    Asked if the team had attended to patients after the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims from Kogi, he said one of them had a minor medical issue on arrival and had been treated.

    A NAN correspondent who visited the facilities in Madinah, reported that a team of doctors, pharmacists and nurses was seen sorting out drugs while others were found in both male and female wards.

    The facilities have provisions for consultation, treatment of patients, administrative matters and other minor health related issues.

    The medical personnel were among the National Advance Team that arrived in Madinah two weeks ago to perfect arrangements for a successful Hajj operation by Nigeria.

  • Board urges pilgrims to register before June 22

    The Bauchi Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has called on all intending pilgrims in the state to complete their registration before June 22, saying that there would not be room for extension.

    Its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Hardawa, said that the June 22 closing date for the registration of this year’s pilgrimage remained unchanged.

    Hardawa also said the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON) had announced a reduction in this year’s Hajj fare, adding that intending pilgrims from the state would pay N1,476,000, as against the N1,523,000 paid in 2017.

    He assured those that had deposited N1.5m would be refunded their balance.

    “If you recall, we started collecting deposits from intending pilgrims from December last year, with the minimum deposit of N300,000.

    “But for those that have paid N1.5m, they are to receive a refund of N23,671. I therefore advised those who have paid up to that amount, to go to their respective registration points from next week, Tuesday, and collect their refunds accordingly,” Hardawa said.

    The executive secretary also said that the 2016/17 pilgrims from the state had refunds to collect from the board.

    “We made general refunds for the 2016 and 2017 pilgrimage; still, there are people who are yet to come and collect their refunds.

    “For 2016 Hajj, we have about 443 people who are yet to collect their refunds and 57 people for the 2017 Hajj,” he said.

  • Lagos invites pilgrims for BTA

    The 2018 Hajj intending pilgrims have been urged to come forward for the processing of their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) at the Lagos Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Office.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef announced this during a meeting with the 19 coordinators appointed by the state to manage the affairs of the intending pilgrims.

    According to him, pilgrims will be given the opportunity to exchange a minimum of N244,000 for $800 at the official rate of N305 to a dollar as directed by the Federal Government.

    He enjoined intending pilgrims to take advantage of the exchange rate and time to make proper arrangement for their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) as the Dollar rate is more expensive in the black markets and Banks.

    “Only fully paid pilgrims are entitled to the official rate and must come with their receipts of payment,” he said.

    AbdulLateef enjoined Muslims to use the fasting period to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for themselves and the entire Muslim Ummah.

    “You should invest your money and time to propagate good deeds and help your fellow Muslims as much as you can. This is more rewarding in this blessed month of Ramadan,” he said.

    Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Muftau Okoya said the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has mandated all intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj to possess their National Identity Card.

  • Lagos begins lectures for pilgrims

    Weekend lectures designed to educate intending pilgrims of the basic requirements of hajj will begin tomorrow, Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, said this yesterday.

    The lectures, he said, will equip the pilgrims with practices expected of them in the course of performing the Holy Pilgrimage.

    He said the state government is committed to ensure this year’s hajj exercise is hitch free and memorable.

    “Our pilgrims should take the lecture serious in order to help government achieve the set objective of ensuring that pilgrims know the basic tenet of Islam and have the required knowledge about Hajj,” he said.