Managing director of Comerel Travels and Tours Limited, Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad, has reiterated the need for synergy among hajj service providers (tour operators), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and state pilgrims welfare boards for a better service delivery to the pilgrims.
He gave the advice yesterday in Abuja during the 2024 hajj induction course for intending pilgrims organised by his organisation in collaboration with Whitebird Tourism and Al Mairal Travel Limited for pilgrims.
He said the three companies decided to come together to promote efficient and better service delivery, adding that the essence of the induction course programme was to prepare the pilgrims for the spiritual journey and acquaint them what to expect or get in the holy land.
“These three companies came to promote better and quality service delivery to the pilgrims. The three companies which have formed into one for the purpose of visa issuance, coordination, cooperation during inauguration of hajj 2024, inshallah, we will be able to reflect or deflect whatever observation and suggestions that come out of this collaboration.
“I think it is high time we started as people who are working in the hajj industry to look at how we can work together without losing our identity and let the pilgrims have a clear understand what exactly the situations are.
“The Saudi Arabia hajj ministry is trying to reduce the number of companies that are making registration and signing contract with service providers in Saudi Arabia, but that does not diminish the level and standard of other companies that are known to be in the front of documentation, contract gratification and so on.
“So, I say it is high time we came together in seamless cooperation to give the best services to pilgrims. Both the National Hajj Commission, state pilgrims boards and companies are all serving the same persons which are pilgrims and the pilgrims deserve the best,” Ustaz Muhammad said.
The well attended induction programme held at the Conference Room of the National Mosque, Abuja, featured the presentation of papers on the theoretical perspective, practical and health tips of the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia by experts.
Comerel Travel and Tour’s Ameerul Hajj and one of the resource persons, Ustadh Saidu Is’haq, urged the participants to take the rites of hajj seriously and avoid distractions that could deprived them of getting the maximum reward for the exercise.
According to him, many pilgrims, especially the first timers, are unable to distinguish the three types of hajj and which one they are going for.
“So, it is important for you as intending pilgrims to be well acquainted with hajj rites. Many do not seek the knowledge before they travelled and only resolved to do what they see others doing. Secondly, many also indulge in mundane talks and discussions instead of concentrating on their Hajj exercise. Please, avoid discussing the Emir tussle in Kano or PDP Vs APC matter while in the holy land for Hajj,” Saidu said.
Dr. Raheem Qadri of department of ENT Surgery, Gombe State University, urged intending pilgrims to take water regularly to prevent dehydration and to avoid brackish water to prevent hitchy throat which might be mistaken for infection.
“It is also important for pilgrims to take their medications serious as well as receiving the compulsory and recommended vaccines, to be healthy and prevent illness,” Qadri said.
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