By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud has called on the 2024 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to continue to prayer for the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria in the holy land.
She made the call while bidding farewell to the pilgrims at the camp in Bassan Jiwa, Abuja, Tuesday.
Mahmoud told the pilgrims that the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board have put in place measures that will ensure adequate Welfare of the intending pilgrims during the spiritual exercise.
According to her, The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is expected to start transporting the pilgrims from FCT on Wednesday, May 15, to Saudi Arabia.
She expressed confidence that the 2024 FCT Hajj operation would be better than the previous ones.
“To ensure success in the operation, the FCT Administration was proactive in ensuring that all the intending pilgrims complied with relevant policies to participate in the spiritual journey.
“The Administration has successfully concluded all necessary arrangements for the welfare of our contingent to the Holy Land.
“In fact, the early preparations for this year’s Hajj demonstrate our commitment towards recording a hitch-free exercise,” she said.
She urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the unity and progress of the country, with particular attention to the nation’s leaders for Allah’s guidance.
“I urge you all to remember that our country is passing through some economic and security challenges, which require your prayers for our country to remain united despite our differences.
“Pray for the peaceful coexistence of our dear nation in support of President Bola Tinubu-led administration in line with his “Renewed Hope” agenda,” Mahmoud pleaded.
The minister further urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the FCT and Nigeria by abiding with all the newly introduced policies by the Saudi authorities for the 2024 exercise.
She identified some of the new policies as movement in groups, transportation policy, luggage policy, feeding arrangements, timetable for religious activities, and other policies issued by all relevant authorities.
“Remember that these policies were introduced in your own interest to enable you to perform your religious obligations at ease,” she said.
Oh his part, the Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Malam Abubakar Evuti, said the Board has a total of 2,977 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Evuti said that experienced and committed officials were mobilised for the operation to ensure optimum service delivery for the pilgrims during the exercise.
He however warned against any act of indiscipline, adding the official found wanting would be penalised.
He also advised the intending pilgrims to be law abiding, patient, avoid reckless spending and avoid rumour mongering.
One of the intending pilgrims, Mohammed Habib, who is going to Hajj for the first time, expressed confidence for a hitch-free exercise.
The visibly excited Habib said he was satisfied with all the preparation processes, which he described as impressive.
“I am overwhelmed and very excited because the preparations exceeded my expectations. So, I am looking for a fulfilling and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” he said.