Stresses drinking sufficient water.
Owerri/Madina.
Kaaba.
(C). Wikipedia.
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Saleh Usman, has called on Nigerian pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj to remain spiritually devoted and physically prepared, especially by drinking sufficient water to withstand the expected extreme heat in Makkah.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 Hajj inaugural flight in Owerri, Imo State, on May 9, Professor Usman reminded the pilgrims that they are setting out not just on a physical journey, but on a profound spiritual mission as Duyufur-Rahman—the Honoured Guests of Allah, the Most Merciful.
“This journey is a divine calling,” “It requires not only your obedience and submission to Allah, but also care for your health and safety. Drink plenty of water and juice to stay healthy and carry out your acts of worship with strength,”he said.
He admonished pilgrims to remain disciplined, follow the guidance of officials, and respect the laws of both Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that safety is part of faith.
“Keep your intentions pure and your hearts open for Allah’s guidance. Represent Nigeria well as true ambassadors of Islam,” he added.
Professor Usman highlighted the Commission’s comprehensive preparations to ensure the welfare of pilgrims, both spiritually and materially, and expressed gratitude to Allah for the milestones achieved under his leadership since assuming office eight months ago.
“This inaugural flight from the Eastern region is historic. We are grateful to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support in making this possible, as he promotes religious harmony in our country,” he said.
Addressing the pilgrims and stakeholders, he noted: “This is a journey of faith, a moment of reflection, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Allah. We pray that each pilgrim returns home spiritually uplifted, forgiven, and transformed.”
He also outlined several improvements made for the 2025 Hajj, including securing upgraded Tent A Plus accommodations in Mina and financial support to private tour operators to ensure a smooth operation.
Understanding the challenges of the expected weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, he said that NAHCON has increased the number of deployed staff to provide care and maintain a rotation system that prioritizes the health of officials and pilgrims.
Professor Usman expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support, especially in resolving issues around Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), enabling pilgrims to access funds through a credit card system.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Vice President Shettima who flagged off the flight; Governor Hope Uzodinma; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; lawmakers, NAHCON board members, and leaders of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
“As we begin this sacred journey, we entrust ourselves to Allah’s mercy, praying for a safe, accepted, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj,” the NAHCON boss said.
Meanwhile, all is set to receive Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as Kitchens to serve them in Madina is fully ready.
Writing from Madina
Saudi Arabia,Suwaiba Ahmed reports that the Madina team in charge of feeding were on inspection tour of all the contracted kitchens to ascertain their readiness to serve Nigerian According to him,the team focused on hygiene, quality and quality of the food as well as the facilities.
“Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, head of Madina feeding committee led the team to the seven Kitchens contracted for the operation. Among the areas inspected are the cleanliness of the facilities and equipments as well as workforce all of which determine effective delivery.
“However, during a meeting prior to the inspection of the kitchens, the Madina Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulkadir Oloyi, raised the issue of food packaging, where he said some of the caterers use sub-standard plastic containers which is unacceptable. The meeting agreed on a particular packaging to be used uniformly by all the caterers. He also reiterated the importance of following the menu given to them by NAHCON as well as delivering the food to the pilgrims’ accommodation on time. He said there will be consequences on violators.
“Meanwhile the committee in charge of accommodation is working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place before the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims into Saudi Arabia scheduled to start on Friday 9/5/2025,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
