By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations put in place for Mina and Arafat ahead of the commencement of the 2026 Hajj rites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, who represented Edo State during an inspection tour of facilities alongside officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), State Executive Secretaries and the service provider.
The inspection exercise was aimed at assessing the readiness of tents and other facilities designated for pilgrims during the Hajj proper, which is expected to commence in the coming days.
Speaking after the inspection, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir described the arrangements by the service provider as satisfactory and encouraging, noting that considerable efforts had been made to ensure the comfort and welfare of pilgrims during their stay at Mina and Arafat.
He, however, appealed to NAHCON and relevant stakeholders to sustain improvements in facilities and welfare packages in future Hajj exercises to further enhance the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
During the exercise, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Abba Yusuf, assured State Executives that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj operation this year.
He also reminded intending pilgrims that Hajj requires patience, sacrifice and endurance, stressing that the spiritual rewards attached to the exercise are immense.
Preparations are currently at top gear as pilgrims across the world await the commencement of the Hajj rites in the Holy Land.
