The 2024 Hajj operations, led by Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, have been unanimously celebrated as a watershed second for Nigeria’s pilgrimage efforts. By meticulous planning and flawless execution, NAHCON set new requirements, incomes reward from pilgrims and trade stakeholders alike.
Veteran Hajj skilled, Ustaz Abubakar Siddeq Muhammad, in his analytical piece titled “Mal Jalal Ahmad Arabi And Hajj 2024 (2)” printed in LEADERSHIP Newspapers, lauded the unprecedented readiness of Arafah. “For the primary time in over 20 years, the Tents had been totally ready two weeks earlier than D-Day—carpeted and air-conditioned,” he noticed (see:
Regardless of his tenure being prematurely reduce quick by political maneuvering, Jalal Arabi’s management as Chairman/CEO of NAHCON delivered transformative outcomes, at the moment detailed within the Fee’s report, “2024: A Yr of Achievements, Challenges, and Renewal”. For the sake of historical past and posterity, the important thing milestones that each point out of Arabi’s title would evoke included:
1. Visa Issuance: Each pilgrim obtained their visa forward of airlift operations, a primary in Nigerian Hajj historical past.
2. Airlift Operations: Over 52,000 pilgrims had been transported by June 9, 2024, properly earlier than Saudi Arabia’s deadline. Return flights wrapped up 5 days early.
3. Pilgrim Welfare in Mina: Necessities equivalent to toiletries and handheld followers had been distributed to boost consolation.
4. Well being Help: Free medicines for frequent illnesses like malaria and hypertension had been offered, guaranteeing well timed look after pilgrims.
These achievements, achieved regardless of financial challenges, underscore NAHCON’s resilience and dedication. Jalal Arabi’s efforts had been additional acknowledged internationally when he was granted uncommon entry to the Holy Ka’aba in Saudi Arabia—a privilege reserved for distinguished world figures.
As NAHCON builds on the successes of 2024, the 2025 Hajj season is poised to succeed as properly guaranteeing a seamless and spiritually enriching expertise for Nigerian pilgrims. Such is the facility of sturdy basis.
One other sensible piece has succinctly captured the uncommon file of Arabi as NAHCON’s steersman who got here, noticed and adjusted strategic planning and execution with supersonic velocity, go to:
~ Olaitan wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State.
