HAJJ 2024: MORE LAGOS PILGRIMS ARRIVE BACK HOME
… As Amirul Hajj Urges NAHCON To Convene Meeting Over 2024 Hajj Challenges
No fewer than 926 out of a total number of 1,869 pilgrims that participated in the 2024 Hajj from the State have been airlifted back home as of Wednesday, just as the Amirul Hajj of Lagos State, who is also the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to convene a meeting with all States to discuss the challenges faced during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage on how to avoid a reoccurrence.
He made the call on Tuesday while addressing a press conference at the Alsaad Flower Hotel 2, Misfalah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, stressing that most of the challenges encountered during the Hajj exercise were from NAHCON. He specifically noted that the caterer selected to provide meals for the State’s pilgrims was using his wisdom and discretion to select a menu that was not favourable to the people of the South West, adding that the pilgrims almost protested at Mina and many of them rejected the meals served and chose to go and buy food from vendors.
Layode also said that even the accommodation provided for Lagos pilgrims in Makkah was not up to standard. He, however, stated that despite the challenges, he disagrees with the call for the scrapping of NAHCON.
The Commissioner expressed his appreciation to Lagos State pilgrims for their patience and endurance, stressing that he is very proud of their conduct despite obvious operational challenges. He also assured the remaining 943 pilgrims that they would be airlifted back home in a short while.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Oabafemi Hamzat for their unflinching support, especially in the area of providing the shortfall of the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to the pilgrims and also offsetting the cost of Rams, amongst other kind gestures.
Government functionaries at the press briefing include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; Chairman, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar; Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede and Prof. Kabir Paramole (Badagry division) among others.