A group of 43 advance team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will depart Abuja, Nigeria tomorrow, May 12, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to mark the beginning of the 2024 Muslim Hajj operations.
According to a statement today, May 11, by the NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications Division, Mousa Ubandanwaki, the team is made up of 35 NAHCON Officials and 8 Medical Personnel.
He said that members of the team are expected to prepare ground and receive the first set of Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State who would be arriving the Kingdom on May 15 for the Holy Pilgrimage.
He quoted the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, as advising members of the team to discharge their duties in accordance with their mandate.
He reminded them that their performance could make or mar the success of the exercise.
“You are the first point of call or contact with the pilgrims. Their impression and perception of your action or activities will go a long way towards assessing the Commission.
Ií you get it right, we get it right and on the contrary, if you get it wrong, the rest will just be about crisis management.
“Therefore, you must be up and doing in order to earn our reward here and that of Allah in the Hereafter for treating His Guests well. They are the reason you are there, so at every point in time, make sure you attend or treat them with courtesy and respect.”
Arabi warned that the Commission would take drastic measures against anyone who deviates from the rules of engagement, and that he would not hesitate to recall any staff accused of dereliction of duties.
He asked them to take the warning seriously, saying: “you have been carefully selected because of the trust we have in you and as such, you need to brace up. Laxity and procrastination will not be tolerated.”
Malam Arabi also called on the medical personnel to respect their patients and pilgrims.
“You must serve and treat them fairly, gently and with utmost respect.”
The Chairman reminded the Team to work in unity and harmony as they are representatives of the Commission and Nigeria, saying that they would be assessed and monitored.
“I want to urge you to work as team, cooperate with one another. Those of you who are veterans should assist and guide those who are new on the job so that we can achieve success collectively.”
