The Chairman, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Engr. Shakir Ayinde Gafar, on Thursday, led other members of the Board to receive the inspection team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Board’s office, Old Secretariat, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Engr. Gafar in his welcome address assured the team of the Board’s readiness to fully cooperate with the delegation in order to achieve its purpose in the State, urging the inspection team to carry out its assignment without any fear or favour.
While stressing that Lagos State is well known for its excellence in every human endeavour, the Chairman said that the Almighty God, in its infinite mercy, has made Lagos excel in everything it embarked on, asserting that the State is prepared for the hajj exercise whenever the Saudi Arabia Government permits foreign intending pilgrims to perform the spiritual journey.
The Board Secretary, Imam AbdulHakeem Kosoko, appreciated the visitors on behalf of the Board, revealing that the intention of every Muslim across the world is to visit Makkah and Madinah for the hajj spiritual exercise at least once in their lifetime.
While praying that Allah makes the exercise possible this year. Imam Kosoko enjoined members of staff to be ready to make sacrifices for the success of this year’s Hajj operations and subsequent ones.
Speaking earlier, the team leader – Alhaji Halidu Shutti – informed his hosts that the visit was in fulfilment of Section 4, Sub-Section 1A of the NAHCON Act. 2006 which says, “The Commission shall licence, regulate, supervise and perform oversight functions”.
Revealing that the team had earlier visited Kwara, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo and Ogun States, he acknowledged that the reception of the inspection team in Lagos has been unique and unprecedented.
Shutti expressed appreciation that all Board members, Secretary and the entire staff were available to receive his team, acknowledging the ongoing renovation work to give the facility a facelift.
He re-echoed the remarks earlier made by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikhrullah Kunle Hazzan, during a recent visit to the Board that Lagos remains number one in Hajj administration in Nigeria in view of the array of qualified professionals and exceptional technocrats saddled with the State’s Hajj management responsibilities, urging the State to keep the flag flying.