The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation that reports hajj activities in Nigeria, has commended the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Bin Mahmoud Bostaji, “for his extraordinary hard work, openness and simplicity in the process of executing hajj 2019 policies in Nigeria.”

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, in Abuja on Thursday, the group said that during 2018 hajj, Bostaji assumed office as Ambassador to Nigeria just a week before the commencement of airlift of intending pilgrims; “yet, he personally attended the inaugural flight ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. He also waited until the flight departed before he left.”

The statement said the Saudi embassy had organised a special iftar during Ramadan fast and Mr Bostaji not only personally stood at the gate to welcome all guests but mentioned each one present by their first names as he went round to greet his guests.

“Those who are fortunate to have an interface with the ambassador are often quite surprised that the representative of the custodian of the two holy Mosques can be so accessible to virtually anyone that desire to meet him. More so the decision to make his contacts available to journalists and stakeholders in hajj industry is exemplary,” the statement said.

It also said the ambassador’s conducts have proved more than ever the words of Woodrow Wilson that “open covenants, openly arrived at” remains a superior guide to foreign policy.

It also speaks to Machiavelli’s recommendation that governments shall be “strong like a lion but also clever like a fox”, the statement noted.

IHR further said: “We also use this opportunity to restate our commitment to relay the hospitality and uncommon gesture of the Saudi Arabian government towards millions of Muslim Ummah that visit the Kingdom yearly as part of our little contribution to promoting Islam in the Media.

“We thank the ambassador for sustaining and consolidating the age-long relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, especially during hajj operation in the media.”

The civil society, however, urged Mr Bostaji to introduce an annual parley with Muslim Media personalities who have devoted time and contribute more to promoting Islam in order to create a bond between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“His support to hajj and Umrah exercise,” according to the statement, “made the Nigeria hajj apex regulatory body to issue a commendation letter in appreciation of his cooperation and support.

“Also, his commitment and support to Nigerian media in the coverage of hajj activities in Nigeria is historical in the context of what is obtained before his arrival.

“We consider this diplomatic finesse as a contributory factor to the success recorded in Hajj operations so far and hope he will continue to operate his open diplomatic structure for the benefit of our dear pilgrims and Muslim Ummah in general.”

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