By Mikail Mumuni in Madina
*Photos: Nigerian pilgrims at the Miqat in Madina enroute Makkah *
The first set of Nigerian pilgrims departed Madina for Makkah on Sunday with commendations for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for services rendered so far.
The pilgrims, drawn from Kebbi and Nassarwa States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) formed the continent for the inaugural flight from Nigeria on Wednesday,15th May.
Some of them who spoke with our correspondent at Zhul-Hulaifah Mosque, which is the Miqat where pilgrims (males) put on their white ihram clothes in Madina, enroute Makkah, said they were impressed with the reception and treatment they got from the Commission in the last four days of their arrival and stay in Madinah.
Alhaji Muntari Ibrahim, a pilgrim from the FCT said ” We need to give NAHCON kudos. This is not my first Hajj so I can compare and contrast this year with what obtained previous years. “
One of the areas of improvement, according to him, was the grouping system introduced this year by NAHCON.
Alhaji Ibrahim who said he was a group leader said the system provided proper coordination for management of pilgrims.
Another pilgrim, Sulaiman Muhammed, from Kebbi State, said he was also impressed with services rendered by NAHCON.
“They gave us accommodation close to the Prophet’s Mosque and they provided us feeding right on time,” he said.
On her part, Zainab Belko from the FCT said ” I had a wonderful experience in Madina and I hope similar one awaits me in Makkah. I thank NAHCON.”
