The final flight carrying about 88 pilgrims have arrived Kaduna, Nigeria, this morning, July 2, from Jeddah, completing the airlift of the over 41,000 Nigerian Muslims that performed this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy land.
The return leg airlift operations, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, spanned 20 days in a total of 101 flights that was commenced on 13th of June, over a week after the end of the pilgrimage in the Holy land. Real Hajj rites ended June 10.
Hajiya Sanda Usara quoted the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, in his end-of-the-operation address as expressing profound gratitude to Allah for granting Nigerian a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
He attributed the success to the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated by State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards officials, airline operators and other service providers, as well as obedience of the pilgrims to laid down guidelines.
NAHCON Chairman called on the returning pilgrims to continue to pray for Nigeria to overcome its challenges and for them to remember the nation’s leaders in their prayers.
He reminded them that Hajj serves as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that foster peace and harmony, encouraging them to therefore sustain the ties of friendships they established during their pilgrimage.
Professor Usman reassured that NAHCON will continue to improve in its mandate for Nigerian pilgrims in line with global best practices.
In attendance were the Commissioner for NAHCON Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha Alli, Special Assistant to the President, Ameen Amshi and other staff.
