25th June, 2023
Nigeria has recorded 30 cases mental health challenge and six deaths among its pilgrims in the ongoing 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Dr Usman Galadima, the Chief of Operations and Head of Nigerian Medical Team for the 2023 Hajj, revealed this during a Pre-Arafat meeting with all stakeholders held on Saturday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Speaking at the meeting also attended by the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, Galadima said his medical team also recorded seven cases of pregnancies, two miscarriages, eight communicable diseases and offer consultation to 15,860 patients among Nigerians pilgrims.
However, the Chairman of NAHCON said the commission had successfully transported all the 95,000 eligible Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
He disclosed that a few days ago the commission out of determination to transport all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia made a reservation of five flights extra in the event that there was any Nigerian who have a visa but had issue with flight so that the commission would bring him to Saudi Arabia.
According him, the commission after confirming that all pilgrims had been transported to Saudi Arabia that it decided to cancel the five extra flights on June 23.
“I want to appreciate the support and guidance of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for their support in many ways where the mention of it could be very unnecessary.
“Our being here today is made possible for their support and guidance on the leadership of NAHCON,” he said.
Hassan also applauded the executive chairmen of the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions for their support towards ensuring successful transportation of all Nigerian eligible pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
Similarly, he commended the Association of Umrah and Hajj Tour Operators of Nigeria for working round the clock to ensure the success of the first phase of the 2023 Hajj operation.
“When the situation of flight was troublesome we were together up to the last moment,” he stated.
Earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal, commended the leadership of NAHCON for its tireless efforts in ensuring the success transportation of Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s.
(NAN)