National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Nigerian Consulate in Saudi Arabia, have commended Nigerian pilgrims to the just concluded 2017 Hajj exercise for giving the best account of themselves during the exercise and their stay in the Holy Land.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar, and Nigerian Consul General, Ambassador Muhammad Yunus, gave the commendation at a dinner organised by the Commission on Sunday in Jeddah, to celebrate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary and the completion of the 2017 Hajj exercise.

In his opening remarks, Mukhtar, described the dinner as a double celebration to thank Allah for the successful completion of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims last Sunday, which coincided with the nation’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

He extended his appreciation to the Nigerian government, the Saudi authorities, the Saudi based service providers, Nigerian Saudi residents, staff of the commission and other officials for “a wonderful delivery of services expected of them during the Hajj exercise, adding that, “no Nigerian pilgrim was reported or arrested for any criminal offence.”

Mukhtar said preparation for the next Hajj exercise should be considered by all to have started.

He congratulated all Nigerians for Nigeria's Independence Anniversary.

In his vote of thanks, Nigerian Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muhammad Yunus expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims who became worthy ambassadors of the country in the holy land and the commitment and sacrifices of NAHCON to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims got value for their money.

The consul General congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, his lieutenants and all Nigerians on the nations Independence anniversary.

•Photo by NAHCON Command and Control Center shows NAHCON Chairman, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar (middle), with Saudi and other dignitaries during the celebration to mark Nigeria’s 57th independent anniversary in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.