Sunday, March 29, 2020

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has suspended the enlightenment and sensitization of pilgrims by the state pilgrims’ boards.

Our correspondent reports the sensitization and education activities form part of preparation for the annual Hajj exercise.

The suspension was contained in a circular with reference number AHCON/SB/33/VOL. XVIII/260 issued to all States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions to suspend pilgrims’ sensitization activities nationwide until further notice.

The directive was in relation to the ravaging COVID-19 outbreak amidst uncertainty over the 2020 Hajj exercise.

The circular was signed by NAHCON’s Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Sheikh Suleiman Momoh who commended state pilgrims’ boards/commissions/agencies for their efforts in pilgrims’ enlightenment.

However, all necessary preparatory steps for 2020 Hajj goes on, the circular said.

Head, Public Affairs of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, in a statement confirmed that the directive “became necessary in the light of the health challenges posed by the COVID-19 infection with its potency of rapid transmission most especially in large gatherings.”

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nahcon-suspends-sensitization-of-intending-pilgrims-over-covid-19.html