The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has officially inaugurated the newly appointed board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), emphasizing the need for innovative strategies in hajj operations within Nigeria.
In a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), Shettima delivered this message during the board’s inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. He urged board members to collaborate effectively and bring novel perspectives to the commission’s operations.
Shettima underscored the significance of serving on the NAHCON board, emphasizing that Hajj stands as one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. He conveyed, “Your appointment goes beyond mere administrative duty; it’s a religious obligation. Serving pilgrims faithfully will be rewarded by Almighty Allah in the hereafter.”
Regarding the board’s composition and its responsibilities, Shettima explained, “The President intentionally selected individuals from diverse backgrounds, untainted by past experiences, to inject fresh insights and innovations into Hajj operations in Nigeria. Their task is to evaluate the commission’s management structure critically and extract the best from its staff.”
He acknowledged the inevitable challenges the board would face but urged them to unite and achieve the desired outcomes. Shettima encouraged innovative thinking to develop robust solutions that meet the needs of Nigerian pilgrims, reminding them that their service is ultimately to God and humanity.
The Vice President specifically called for enhancements to the Hajj Savings Scheme to increase pilgrim participation nationwide. He cited successful implementations in certain states and advocated for wider adoption of the scheme across the country.
Shettima also urged the board to establish enduring partnerships with agents and operational partners, encouraging them to invest significantly in operations within the holy land for long-term benefits.
Malam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the new board, expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President for entrusting them with this national service. He assured that the board would work collectively to enhance Hajj operations, promising pilgrims value for their investment.
Arabi revealed that the board had already commenced its duties by inspecting facilities in Saudi Arabia in preparation for upcoming operations.
The newly constituted board includes Aliu Abdulrazaq (Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance), Prince Anofi Elegushi (Commissioner, Operations), Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal (Commissioner, Planning & Research), and representatives from various zones and stakeholders.
Present at the inauguration event were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, as well as the Ministers of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
