NAHCON holds prayer session for Nigeria in Saudi Arabia, seeks divine help against insecurity

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has organised a special prayer session in Saudi Arabia for the country’s peace and progress.

The session, led by members of the commission’s team of Islamic scholars from the south-west, focused on seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s leaders and an end to insecurity.

The federal government has continued to grapple with insecurity, which is escalating across the country.

Speaking with journalists in Madinah on Friday, Afini Abdulbari, chairman of the Council of Imams and Alfas, Eti-Osa, Lagos state, said the prayer was held in support of President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

“We are here to pray for the president who has remained committed since assuming office,” he said.

“He has been working tirelessly, and we believe he deserves continuous prayers.

“We also seek Almighty Allah’s help in tackling insecurity across the country. We prayed for his team and all public officials.”

Abdulbari said the clerics were selected by NAHCON to guide and enlighten pilgrims throughout the hajj exercise.

“We were drawn from Lagos, Osun and Oyo states to serve as ulama and carry out religious duties,” he said.

“We came together to offer this prayer for the nation.”

Abdulbari also commended NAHCON’s operational improvements, particularly the coordination by its Madinah office in handling logistics for pilgrims.

“The reception of pilgrims, accommodation and feeding have all improved,” he added.

“We now have records of all those who have arrived in Madina and those who have proceeded to Makkah.

“So far, nearly 40,000 pilgrims have been accounted for. That shows the system is working well.”

He said the ulama have been teaching pilgrims about the spiritual and practical aspects of the pilgrimage.

“Our enlightenment programme started here in Madinah and will continue in Makkah,” he said.

“We have reminded them that their presence here is by Allah’s invitation.

“Those who were not called wouldn’t be here. So, we have sensitised them on what is expected.

“We have also visited all the major holy sites. As I speak to you, we are in the Prophet’s Mosque where this prayer is taking place.”