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Metro

NAHCON to introduce Hajj savings scheme

NAHCON to introduce Hajj savings scheme

By Ahmed Ubandoma
Hajj
Abuja, Oct. 16, 2019 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it is considering the introduction of a Hajj savings scheme for intending pilgrims.
The Head of Public Affairs of NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, dropped this hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Usara explained that the commission was considering the idea to assist intending pilgrims to save for their Hajj plans.
According to her, the policy is yet to be firmed up for the 2020 exercise.
Usara said the idea would provide an avenue for low income earners wishing to perform Hajj in the future to deposit their money with the commission on time-to-time before the due date for the exercise.
She also said that the commission was yet to fix a minimum amount for the first deposit.
“NAHCON is yet to fix amount for the first deposit by intending pilgrims because discussions are ongoing to determine the minimum amount that intending pilgrims will first deposit before the subsequent payment into the planned Hajj savings account,” she said.
The NAHCON spokesperson also said the depositors were at liberty to choose the period of time for their savings before the time of Hajj.
NAN reports that NAHCON had earlier commenced review of 2019 Hajj and Umrah activities with a view to improving its operations ahead of 2020 pilgrimage.
NAHCON also requested pilgrims from the 36 state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and FCT to register their commendations, complaints and recommendations on the 2019 exercise. (NAN)
AMU/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Metro

NAHCON introduces Hajj savings scheme for 2020 intending pilgrims

NAHCON introduces Hajj savings scheme for 2020 intending pilgrims

By Ahmed Ubandoma
Savings
Abuja, Oct. 15, 2019 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday said it has introduced the Hajj savings scheme for intending pilgrims for 2020 exercise.

The Head of Media and Public Affairs of NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Usara said the idea was to provide an avenue for the low income earners that wished to perform Hajj in the future to deposit their money with the commission from time-to-time before the due date for Hajj.

She however said that the commission did not fix a minimum amount for the first deposit.

“NAHCON is yet to fix amount for the first deposit by intending pilgrims because discussions are ongoing to determine the minimum amount that intending pilgrims will first deposit before the subsequent payment into the planned Hajj savings account,” she said.

The NAHCON spokesperson also said the depositors were at liberty to choose the period of time for their savings before the time of Hajj.

NAN reports that NAHCON had earlier commenced review of 2019 Hajj and Umrah activities with a view to improving its operations ahead of 2020 Hajj.

NAHCON also requested pilgrims from the 36 states and FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to register their commendations, advice and complaints on the 2019 exercise. (NAN)
AMU/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

NAHCON lauds Saudi Arabia for successful 2019 Hajj

NAHCON lauds Saudi Arabia for successful 2019 Hajj
By Dada Ahmed
Commendation
Makkah, Aug. 16, 2019 (NAN) The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, has commended the Saudi Arabian Government for successfully hosting pilgrims from all over the world in the 2019 Hajj season.
Muhammad gave the commendation in a statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs of the commission, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Makkah on Friday.
He noted with satisfaction that the just concluded Muna Hajj rites ended peacefully, and pilgrims returned safely to Makkah.
The NAHCON chairman also praised the officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their professional handling of the event, adding that their efforts resulted in a successful exercise.
The NAHCON boss also extolled the establishment of Mutawwifs for pilgrims from African Non-Arab countries, popularly referred to as Mu’assasah, for the excellent arrangement in Muna and Arafat.
He stressed that the development enhanced the comfort of Nigerian pilgrims in the tents.
Muhammad also expressed delight on the provision of air conditioning units at no extra cost on the pilgrims.
He noted that the well-organised teams placed on standby to serve the pilgrims throughout the period deserved appreciation.
The chairman also gave kudos to the General Car Syndicate and other transport companies that moved all pilgrims within stipulated time and brought them back without delay.
The NAHCON boss also expressed happiness at the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims and their officials who he said displayed decorum and kept to the rules and regulations of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“This, indeed, made Nigeria proud,” Muhammad said. (NAN)
DUA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Foreign

Hajj ‘ll no longer be market shopping – NAHCON boss

By Dada Ahmed
Hajj
Muna (Makkah), Aug.10, 2019 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says Hajj will no longer be a market shopping in the nearest future.

Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, the Chairman of the commission, disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen in Muna.

He expressed concern over a trend whereby people, desirous of performing Hajj, would wait til the commencement of the exercise before paying their fares.

He also noted that some officials of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards did not understand the programmes put in place by the commission for Hajj, adding that they thought that Hajj is a “free for all business.”

“What we are looking forward to is a situation whereby if you want to perform Hajj, say in five or four years to come, you plan, pay your fare and attend classes to ensure you properly understand what Hajj is all about,” he said.

According to the NAHCON boss, as soon as the 2019 is over, the commission will reel out various programmes where state officials will be trained and be expected to train others on Hajj activities before the commencement of the next Hajj.

Contributing, Sen. Aliyu Ndume, advocated Hajj subsidy for Muslims desirous of performing the annual spiritual exercise but did not have enough money to achieve their aim.

“The N1.5 million or N1.4 million being paid as Hajj fare is too much. I want a situation whereby if a Muslim has N800,000 and wants to perform Hajj, government can subsidse the balance to enable him or her perform Hajj,” he said.

The senator commended NAHCON for digitilising Hajj programmes, coupled with provision of adequate accommodation and effective transportation, among others, aimed at making pilgrims get value for their money.

A correspondent of the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Muna reports that some Nigerian pilgrims were seen exchanging pleasantries on the occasion.

Others used part of the day to throw stone at the three devils in Muna as part of thevHajj rites. (NAN)
DUA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

NAHCON concludes flight of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

NAHCON concludes flight of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
By Dada Ahmed
Flights
Makkah, July 6, 2019 (NAN) The last batch of intending Nigerian pilgrims for the 2019 pilgrimage has departed Abuja on Flynas XY5821 to Saudi Arabia with 301 pilgrims on Tuesday.
According to the Command and Control Centre of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah, the figure comprises 17 intending pilgrims from FCT, including 14 males and three females, Sokoto with 11 of eight males and three females, while Zamfara has 22 made up of 10 males and 12 females.
The commission also said that Kaduna State had 55 intending pilgrims, made up of 42 males and 13 females; Anambra with 25 intending pilgrims of 17 males and 8 females; Abia eight comprising six males and two females, while Cross River had 42 consisting of 33 males and nine females.
The centre also said that Delta had 28 intending pilgrims, made up of 17 males and 11 females, while Ebonyi has 74 comprising 53 males and 21 females.
Besides, Enugu State, it said, had 19 intending pilgrims of 15 males and four females and 86 officials.
The centre also disclosed that a total of 44,450 intending pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia in 93 flights.
“This marks the end of the phase one airlift operation for 2019 Hajj. Thanks to Allah and all of you for your support and prayers,” the commission said.
Meanwhile, installation of facilities at the Muna Camp to make it comfortable for the pilgrims ahead Aug. 10 Arafat, continued on Tuesday.
Pilgrims from all corners of the world will converge at the camp on Friday for three days, for the critical segment of their religious rites toward Arafat day.
This is in addition to the introduction of electronic system into the performance of Hajj at Arafat to monitor movement of pilgrims, check stampede and ensure their safety.
The efforts, according to the representative of NAHCON in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Tanko Aliyu, is to ensure that pilgrims get value for their money and make them attain an acceptable pilgrimage.
He urged officials of the commission and those of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to educate the pilgrims on the electronic system, to ensure compliance. (NAN)
DUA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Foreign

Intending pilgrims commend NAHCON over quality food

Pilgrims commend NAHCON over quality food
By Dada Ahmed
Food
Madinah, July 15, 2019 (NAN) Pilgrims from Kano State have commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for facilitating the supply of quality food for their breakfast and supper.
They made the commendation in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of their breakfast in Madinah on Monday.
One of the pilgrims, Alhaji Gbadamasi Sani, said he and his colleagues were satisfied with the quantity of food being served.
According to him, the positive development has given them value for their money and enhanced their comfort in Madinah.
He noted that not only were they served with their required ration there was always extra food for intending pilgrims who need extra food.
He said they were being served with semovita, rice, bread, tea, banana and orange, among others.
“Every intending pilgrim is satisfied with the food we are being served, we have no complaint about the nature of food given to us,” another pilgrim, Malam Ahmed Gunkure, said.
He, however, frowned at the unrestrained attitude of some of his colleagues who, he said, cashed on the development to indulge in over feeding.
Ahmed advised pilgrims to desist from such act in the interest of justice, adding that such behaviour, if not checked, could deny others their ration.
Meanwhile, Madinah has continued to receive pilgrims from Nigeria with Nasarawa State pilgrims being the latest arrivals.
Same goes for other nations such as China, Indonesia and other African countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that besides their religious rites, derivable from Hajj, pilgrims from all walks of life, particularly Nigerians, are seen exchanging pleasantries with their colleagues from other nations to foster unity among nations.
About six states have so far transported their intending pilgrims to Madinah for Hajj, which will also take the pilgrims to Makkah two weeks from now. (NAN)
DUA/KOO/DUA/MST
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Metro

Hajj: NAHCON appoints liaison officers for Pilgrims’ hostels

By Dada Ahmed
Appointment
Abuja, July 7, 2019 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed a liaison officer for each of the hotels provided for Nigerian Pilgrims in Madinah.

The Madinah Coordinator and the Acting Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Ahmad Maigari, disclosed this at a meeting he held with various service providers in the Prophet’s City.

He said in a statement that the new initiative was to ensure effective supervision, quick response to pilgrims’ needs and oversee their logistics needs.

According to him, it is also to ensure stress-free relationship and effective communication between each of the hotels’ management/staff and pilgrims.

Maigari said the meeting, among others, was for the service providers to ensure proper handling and prompt attendance to Pilgrims’s needs.

The Madinah coordinator said the event was for the commission to also have first hand information on the level of preparedness,by the service providers for the pilgrims.

According to him,the pilgrims are expected to start arriving Madinah in the next three days.

He reiterated the resolve of NAHCON to ensure that Pilgrims got the best services and value for their hard earned money from the service providers.

He said all necessary requirements/logistics had been provided, assuring that there will be no excuse for any draw back.

In their responses, the service providers promised the commission of the best services to Nigerian pilgrims.

The inaugural flight of the pilgrims is expected to take off from Katsina on July 10.(NAN)
DUA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Metro

2019 Hajj: NAHCON appeals to Amirul Hajj to adhere to advisory role

2019 Hajj: NAHCON appeals to Govs, Amirul Hajj to adhere to advisory role
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Appeal
Abuja, June 25, 2019 (NAN) Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, the acting Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has appealed to state governors and their Amirul Hajj to adhere to their advisory role during the 2019 hajj operations.
Muhammad made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the commencement of the 2019 Hajj operations in Abuja.
He said the role of Amirul Hajj has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of the Hajj and operational arrangements already put in place by the commission.
“To our leaders, the state governors and their appointed Amirul Hajj, I want to appeal to them to understand clearly that Amirul Hajj role is advisory through the governors that appointed them.
“Amirul Hajj’s role has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of the Hajj or tinkering with the operational arrangements already put in place.
“I appeal to our elders that are appointed to this position of Amirul Hajj to restrict themselves to their role,’’ he said.
He said the call was aimed at minimising and avoiding operational disputes between real Hajj operators and the Amirul Hajj.
Muhammad noted that the 2019 Hajj operations could offer new dimension as regards the challenges of weather.
He therefore called on the intending pilgrims to be mindful of their health needs and comply with all health requirements before embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
He also called on stakeholders to ensure proper enlightenment so as to have an acceptable exercise in line with the teachings of Islam.
According to him, “there’s no gain for one to spend N1.4 million and yet he or she doesn’t know how to perform the Hajj.
“That is why the government every year, in its wisdom, constitutes Council of Ulamas to provide the right depth to intending pilgrims on how to conduct best and acceptable Hajj,’’ he said.
The President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, represented by Sen. Sahabi Abdullahi, urged the relevant stakeholders to ensure pilgrims were adequately taken care of while in Saudi Arabia.
Lawan urged airline operators to ensure effective and efficient service delivery to the intending pilgrims by ensuring that there was value for money spent for the pilgrimage.
He also enjoined the stakeholders to ensure that there were no delays during departure and to ensure immediate arrangement of vehicles that would convey pilgrims from airport to their hotels in the Holy land.
The president of the Senate also called on the stakeholders to ensure that the Hajj camps across the country are inhabitable for pilgrims.
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, commended the stakeholders for reducing the 2019 Hajj fare as well as extending the deadline for registration of new intending pilgrims.
The event also featured award presentation to the best airline operators, state government and the staff of the commission for exhibiting outstanding performance during the 2018 Hajj operations. (NAN)
AMU/MOL/MST
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

(Video) NAN News Highlights for Mon., July 23, 2018

1. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, says ministers, who failed to inaugurate
members of boards of parastatals under their supervision, risk expulsion from the party.

Oshiomhole condemned the actions of some ministers who had refused to
inaugurate board members appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari and
now appropriate the powers of the board by awarding contracts without
recourse to due process.
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2. A Civil Society Organisation, Elections monitor 2018, has commended
the Independent National Electoral Commission for ensuring a level
–playing field for all political parties during the just concluded
Ekiti State Governorship election.
The coordinator of the CSO, Mr Abiodun Ajijola during the public
presentation of the election observation report said there was
improvement in INEC’s conduct of Election Day activities with no
evidence of partisanship
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3. Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, the Director, Family Health Department of the
Federal Ministry of Health has advised medical practitioners and other
stakeholders in the health sector, to scale up the use of
chlorhexidine vaccine to reduce newborn deaths due to umbilical cord
infections.
Adebiyi emphasised the need for stakeholders’ intervention in making
the drug available in both public and private health facilities across
the country.
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4. The Nigerian Hajj Medical Team on Monday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia,
cautioned pilgrims against environmental hazards arising from harsh
weather conditions during their pilgrimage in the holy cities of
Makkah and Madinah.

Head of the Medical Team, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Dr
Muhammad Abdulkadir said because of the high temperatures and harsh
weather in Madinah, pilgrims were at the risk of getting dehydrated
and therefore needed to drink plenty of water frequently.
Abdulkadir advised the pilgrims to maintain personal hygiene and
observe environmental sanitation as well as eat good food throughout
the duration of the Hajj.
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5. The Industrial Training Fund in collaboration with the Nigerian air
Force has trained two hundred personnel in Electrical Works, Auto Cad,
Welding and Fabrication, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Masonry,
Plumbing and Pipe Fitting.
The Director General of ITF, Mr. Joseph Ari, said the event marked a
water shed in the effort to skill and re-skill members of the Armed
Forces for efficient management of Security stations country wise.
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6.  The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed
Sanusi, says the Amaju Pinnick-led Executive Committee of is back to
the federation’s secretariat to direct affairs in earnest.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino threatened to sanction NFF over the
long running battle for leadership of the federation between the
Pinnick-led executive committee and the Chris Giwa-led faction.
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