The National Haj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has hailed the Lagos State Government for her proactive and strategic approaches in ensuring the spiritual development of its pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
On Arafat day, pilgrims from other states and African countries left their tents to join Lagos pilgrims for a marathon prayer and other spiritual activities at Mount Arafat, Makkah.
Applauding Lagos contingents to this year’s Haj, NAHCON Chairma,n Dr. Abdullahi Mukfar, said the state had again proved to be Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence, not only at home but also in the Holy land through its programmes to enlighten the pilgrims.
He said, “One cannot but applaud the Lagos State officials and her pilgrims for conducting themselves in an orderly manner; the facilities and arrangements put in place by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef for pilgrims during the Haj exercise is commendable.”
Represented by a Director in the Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Sali Modibo, who led the visiting team, Dr. Mukfar noted that Lagos State has been a pacesetter for other states in terms of qualitative and efficient service delivery to its pilgrims.
He implored Haj operators and other states to emulate Lagos State’s strategies. Lagos State pilgrims behaved themselves well and demonstrated the trait of good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria at large, they comport themselves orderly. Lagos remains the best.
Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affair and the States Amirul Haj, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, thanked NAHCON for ensuring smooth operations of Haj.
Abdullateef hailed the State pilgrims for conducting themselves orderly in Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner, who recalled that NAHCON awarded Lagos State the best organized state in the operations of 2015 Haj following the compliance of the pilgrims with the rules and regulations of the Saudi Arabia authorities, promised to maintain the leading role as envisioned by the state government.
“Emerging the best organized state during Haj is not our paramount goal. Our goal is to create best atmosphere and environment for the spiritual development of our people either at home or abroad.”
“To Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, sustainable development is hinged on spiritual development of individual minds,” he said.
Dr. Abdullateef explained that the state government took the training of the pilgrims upon itself to ensure that they understand and acquaint themselves with the principle of Haj as a pillar of Islam. The Governor approved regular enlightenment programs for pilgrims in various placed such as Medinah and Makkah as well as the Arabic classes for the pilgrims.