By SHAFII SANI MOHAMMED

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House.

Introducing the Advance Team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, commended the team?s exceptional performance during the previous Hajj. He credited them with laying the foundation for last year?s successful operation and reaffirmed his trust in their competence. He also appealed to the Chairman and Executive Management to continue extending their full support to the team to ensure another successful outing.

In his address, the Chairman urged the team to approach the assignment with a deep sense of duty and commitment, emphasizing the sanctity of the task ahead.

?You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah,? he declared. ?Please cooperate, help one another, work as a team, and discharge your responsibilities with sincerity. If you succeed, the Commission succeeds.?

He further assured them of the Commission?s full backing and reminded them to fear Allah as they execute their duties.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the team?s role as central and strategic to the success of the operation.

?You are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of responsibility, dedication, and patience,? he said. He urged them to approach their tasks with purpose, integrity, and impartiality.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mustapha Sani, Secretary to the Commission, assured the team that their welfare packages had already been approved by the Chairman, reiterating NAHCON?s unwavering commitment to staff support throughout the Hajj season.

?You are laying the foundation for this year?s operation. Your success is the Commission?s success,? he affirmed.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them.

?We are professionals. We are tested and capable hands. We will not let you down,? he said, while also appealing for the Chairman?s continuous support as they undertake their responsibilities.

The Advance Team is responsible for establishing the groundwork for the entire Hajj operation, including accommodation arrangements, airport reception protocols, and coordination with Saudi Hajj authorities. Their efforts pave the way for the seamless arrival and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, medical personnel, and state officials.

The departure of the Advance Team marks a major milestone in the 2025 Hajj preparations and the official start of Nigeria?s participation in this year?s pilgrimage?one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

? Shafii Sani Mohammed writes from the Information and Publications Division of NAHCON.

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