By Isaac Taiwo
The Nigeria Envoy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahya Lawal, has described Lagos State pilgrims as one of the most disciplined at the ongoing Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
Lawal gave the commendation when he led a delegation, which included the Consular-General and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ambassador Bello Kazaure; the Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikhrullah Kunle Hassan and other top executives of the agency on a courtesy visit to the Lagos tent in Mina at the weekend.
The diplomat extended the best wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the entire pilgrims from the state. He also noted that the delegation paid the visit based on the directive of Mr. President.
He said: “The president requested that the team should visit the pilgrims and we are impressed with their exemplary conduct, which was a reflection of the effective and efficient works the Amir-ul-Hajj and other officials of the state government have put in place.”
He urged the pilgrims to pray for the progress, stability, peace, security and well being of Nigeria. On his part, Hassan absolved Lagos State of any blame in respect of the challenges faced by the pilgrims over inadequate allocation of bed spaces and meals in Mina, saying neither NAHCON nor the state officials should be blamed.
Noting that Hajj is about challenges and sacrifices, the NAHCON boss, however, apologised to the pilgrims for all the shortcomings and difficulties they have passed through.
Source: The Guardian