The Companion, a group of Muslim men in various endeavours, has lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NACHON) for completing the airlift of all pilgrims registered through the commission to perform the 1444 AH (2023) hajj before the closure of Saudi Arabia airspace.

In a statement signed Sunday evening by its national amir, Kamil Olalekan and the public affairs secretary, Muideen Adeleke, the group hailed NAHCON Zikrullah Hassan and his team for a job well done.

It said NAHCON’s airlift of 95,000 prospective Nigerian pilgrims was remarkable, despite challenges encountered during the operations.

The Muslim group commended the NAHCON boss for his proactive instincts and commitment towards beating the Sunday deadline to complete the airlift of outbound pilgrims ahead of the closure of the Saudi Arabia air space.

It said Mr Hassan had taken the hajj administration in Nigeria to a desirable level, stressing that this was due to adequate preparation and a sacrifice from the headship of the commission down to the board, the staff and other stakeholders.

The group added that the association was proud of the NAHCON chairman, an illustrious member of the group, as the reforms he brought to bear on hajj management were yielding dividends, thereby making Nigeria a role model in the industry.

“As members of the Companion, we are proud of the feat recorded by one of our exemplary members with the successful completion of outbound flights despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges that threatened the exercise along the line,” stated the Companion.

The group urged Nigerian pilgrims to be good ambassadors throughout their stay in the holy land and intensify prayers for the commission and the country as they join their counterparts from across the world in moving to Mina, the suburb of Makkah, for the major hajj rites.

(NAN)