President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N135 as the dollar exchange rate for the 2011 Hajj which had reduced the Hajj fare and increased the number of participation by the Muslim community.
Nassarawa State governor, Alhaji Umar Tanko Almakura, disclosed this during his address shortly after Vice-President Namadi Sambo, flagged-off the inaugural flight of the 2011 Hajj operations yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. The governor expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for approving the exchange rate for the Hajj operations, which is expected to involve 99, 000 pilgrims.
Earlier, the vice-president commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for raising the standard of Hajj operations since coming on board in 2007. His words: “We note with delight, the modest transformations that have been recorded generally in Hajj operations, the impact of which have gone a long way in facilitating smoother Hajj experience for the average Nigerian pilgrim.”
Sambo, while urging the commission to consolidate on the gains recorded, tasked other stakeholders in the Hajj operations to ensure that optimal success is achieved in such programmes as “the Tradudiyya transportation system, the harmonised feeding arrangement in Munah and Arafat, the new concept of accommodation in Madinah as well as luggage management strategies being deployed.” He enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country in their conduct and be steadfast in their prayers while also appealing to them to offer special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.”
The vice-president while assuring that government would continue to render all possible assistance to the success of Hajj operations advised them to take good care of themselves by feeding well; avoid exposure to diseases and also to utilise their travel allowances in the most judicious manner. Sambo used the occasion to express the gratitude of the Federal Government to Saudi authorities for “the services they have always rendered to our pilgrims, including the timely issuance of Hajj visas.”
Earlier, the vice-president commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for raising the standard of Hajj operations since coming on board in 2007. His words: “We note with delight, the modest transformations that have been recorded generally in Hajj operations, the impact of which have gone a long way in facilitating smoother Hajj experience for the average Nigerian pilgrim.”
Sambo, while urging the commission to consolidate on the gains recorded, tasked other stakeholders in the Hajj operations to ensure that optimal success is achieved in such programmes as “the Tradudiyya transportation system, the harmonised feeding arrangement in Munah and Arafat, the new concept of accommodation in Madinah as well as luggage management strategies being deployed.” He enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country in their conduct and be steadfast in their prayers while also appealing to them to offer special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.”
The vice-president while assuring that government would continue to render all possible assistance to the success of Hajj operations advised them to take good care of themselves by feeding well; avoid exposure to diseases and also to utilise their travel allowances in the most judicious manner. Sambo used the occasion to express the gratitude of the Federal Government to Saudi authorities for “the services they have always rendered to our pilgrims, including the timely issuance of Hajj visas.”
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