As Mr Arabi prepares to supervise his second Hajj because the helmsman of NAHCON, expectations are excessive, notably relating to the Muna expertise, pilgrims’ Fundamental Journey Allowance (BTA), and feeding preparations in some states… To handle points past the states’ management, NAHCON is urged to exert its affect in key dealings, making certain a extra seamless expertise for pilgrims.
On 18 October, 2023, the Workplace of the President introduced the appointment of Jalal Arabi as the brand new chairman of the Nationwide Hajj Fee (NAHCON), a transfer that was extensively applauded by stakeholders in Nigerian Hajj operations.
The appointment was hailed as a masterstroke, with many describing it as ‘an ideal peg in an ideal circle.’
This expression of approval was largely because of Arabi’s in depth expertise and repute as a seasoned administrator, which made him an excellent match for the function.
His appointment was seen as a strategic resolution aimed toward enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness and effectivity in managing Hajj operations in Nigeria.
Though Jalal Arabi’s appointment as NAHCON chairman could have appeared completely timed, it truly introduced a major problem.
With the 2024 Hajj operations looming, he needed to hit the bottom operating, taking daring and decisive actions to get the ball rolling and deal with the duty head-on.
Primarily, he needed to assume his function with urgency and vigour, swiftly getting right down to enterprise to make sure a profitable and seamless Hajj expertise for Nigerian pilgrims.
The 2024 Hajj coincided with a interval of financial instability in Nigeria, with the federal government struggling to mitigate the results of a recession. The Nigerian forex, the naira, is below intense stress within the international change market, exacerbating the challenges confronted by pilgrims and the economic system at massive.
As individuals battle to fulfill their primary wants, these aspiring to carry out the Hajj pilgrimage confronted an extra burden, with a hefty price of N8,000,000 to pay.
This daunting problem got here at a time when Jalal Arabi had simply assumed the function of Chairman, tasked with navigating the Nationwide Hajj Fee (NAHCON) via the turbulent financial waters.
Journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Nigeria efficiently transported a staggering 65,000 pilgrims, encompassing each these touring via the federal government and people utilising personal company carriers for the Hajj pilgrimage.
One of many insurance policies that garnered vital consideration from stakeholders within the Hajj operations was the choice to cut back the period of keep in Madina.
Beforehand, pilgrims would use as much as 10 days in Madina, however Chairman Arabi has applied a brand new coverage limiting the keep to simply 4 days.
This transfer goals to attain value financial savings and curb extreme expenditures related to prolonged stays throughout the Hajj.
In Madina, pilgrims loved distinctive lodging and have been supplied with meals all through their four-day keep.
The wonderful preparations and heat hospitality hinted at a journey that might yield cherished recollections for all.
Devoted officers from NAHCON have been all the time obtainable, making certain a seamless expertise by offering top-notch help to pilgrims.
Because the 4 days drew to a detailed, pilgrims gathered at Makka, badge by badge, marking the subsequent section of their religious journey.
In a groundbreaking feat, the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims was accomplished at a exceptional 72 hours earlier than the closure of Jeddah Airport – a historic first within the nation’s Hajj operations.
This excellent achievement was a testomony to the exemplary management and organisational prowess of Mr Arabi, setting a brand new benchmark for future Hajj operations.
The Makka Escapade
In Makka, pilgrims have been accommodated in numerous lodges, segregated by their states of origin.
Satisfactory provisions have been additionally made for his or her sustenance, together with hand-crafted meals, snacks and fruits.
They converged on the sacred Masjid Haram, the place they engaged in prayers from daybreak until nightfall nearly on a regular basis.
This expertise will probably be etched of their recollections as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Amidst the religious journey, pilgrims solid new bonds, a few of which might final a lifetime, whereas others would finally fade – a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of human connections and the fantastic thing about life’s experiences.
The Muna Expertise
In Muna, the actual drama unfolded.
Opinions diverged on the adequacy of preparations, with some pilgrims expressing dissatisfaction with the lodging, whereas others believed that the most effective preparations had been made.
Nonetheless, the beneficiant meals provisions greater than made up for any perceived shortcomings in lodging.
Pilgrims have been handled to luxurious meals, leaving them absolutely satiated.
Chairman Arabi made it a degree to personally go to numerous tents, partaking with pilgrims and gathering suggestions.
Whereas some pilgrims have been initially stunned by the unconventional setting, they in the end appreciated the chairman’s efforts and recommended his dedication.
However, some tents did expertise points, which the chairman diligently famous and promised to deal with within the 2025 Hajj preparations already underway.
Bustling Pilgrims – After Hajj
After finishing the Hajj rituals, pilgrims eagerly flocked to the colourful retailers and markets, keen to accumulate significant souvenirs and presents for family members again house.
The environment was electrical, with a palpable sense of pleasure and pleasure.
The bustling streets have been stuffed with the sounds of laughter, haggling, and pleasant banter, as pilgrims from various backgrounds and cultures mingled and shared within the spirit of unity and celebration.
Amidst the colorful stalls and retailers, they found an enormous array of treasures, from intricate handicrafts and aromatic perfumes to beautiful textiles and glowing jewellery.
As they navigated the crowded marketplaces, pilgrims relished the chance to immerse themselves within the wealthy cultural heritage of the area, creating unforgettable recollections and cementing the bonds of friendship and neighborhood solid throughout their sacred journey.
The 2025 Hajj
As Mr Arabi prepares to supervise his second Hajj because the helmsman of NAHCON, expectations are excessive, notably relating to the Muna expertise, pilgrims’ Fundamental Journey Allowance (BTA), and feeding preparations in some states.
To handle points past the states’ management, NAHCON is urged to exert its affect in key dealings, making certain a extra seamless expertise for pilgrims.
Constructing on the successes of this yr’s Hajj operations, the 2025 train is poised to be an much more memorable and improved expertise, with the fee’s proactive method and dedication to excellence paving the way in which for a very unforgettable religious journey.
Mohammed Lere Yunusa is affiliate editor at PREMIUM TIMES.
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