By Fatima Sanda Usara
Visitors to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will henceforth enjoy a cozy allure in the Commission’s refurbished and upgraded lobby opened Tuesday, 5th October 2021.
The new reception has been given a befitting face-lift commensurate to a headquarter that epitomizes NAHCON’s recognition as Africa’s leaders in Hajj administration. Apart from the usual units found in a standard reception such as visitor’s area, adequate comfortable seats, the newly opened lobby has a state-of-the-art historical corner where visitors can improve in knowledge as they wait, a security post. The lobby is also fortified with four reflective glass exit doors that can accommodate large number of persons at a time. It houses a maintenance office and an exit that leads to NAHCON’s digital economy center. In addition to standard convenience sections, cooling systems and other modern electrical appliances, the aesthetic taste captured in the building is one that commands awe.
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In a NAHCON family opening ceremony, the Chairman, Alhaji Kunle Hassan cheered NAHCON staff and management with message of hope assuring that this renovation is a small fragment of a bigger dream for staff welfare that is paramount in the eyes of the fourth board. He appreciated staff dedication and patience despite the hard times the world had been boxed into by the corona pandemic. Alhaji Kunle Hassan prayed that the pandemic will soon become history so that international Hajj will take place and the House will properly function as the headquarters of Hajj managers in Africa. The Chairman promised to uplift the Hajj House to a standard which every staff will be proud of; facially and financially.
Delivering a short speech at the occasion, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, who is Commissioner Policy, Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF), affirmed the NAHCON Chairman’s commitment to staff welfare. Alhaji Yakassai commended Alahij Kunle Hassan for the upgrade observing that an office reception is the mirror of an organization and a reflection of the caliber of people and work being done there. He urged the receptionists to exhibit professionalism in their engagement with guests to the Hajj House and urged staff to give them all the necessary cooperation that will make the receptionists’ job a success. He reminded everyone present of the policy that guides visiting hours and good work culture.
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Dr. Ibrahim Sodangi, Director Admin and Human Resources explained that the receptionists were carefully selected and will receive further training on etiquettes of receiving guests on a repeated basis. He disclosed that more equipment will be supplied in the lobby as time goes on.
Dr Aliyu Tanko, the coordinator Hajj Savings Scheme and Hajj Training Institute prayed the Almighty to bless the Commission to be able to be autonomous in its operations and be counted as one among special organizations in Nigeria and Africa at large. He prayed to the Creator to guide NAHCON leadership and staff alike towards what is best. He also prayed for the success of NAHCON that will benefit this generation and more generations to come. Dr Tanko prayed that the corona pandemic will end so that the world would experience Hajj at full capacity.
Visitation to the Hajj House staff will be welcomed according to NAHCON’s visiting periods; Tuesdays and Thursdays- 12: 00pm to 4: 00pm. Visitors are to book appointments prior to arrival and are to remain in the reception room. Only visitors cleared to see the Chairman, the Commissioners, senior staff from the rank of Assistant Directors upwards, Special Assistants and Personal Assistants to the Chairman will gain access into the Hajj House offices. The reception area is not to be turned into a discussion room nor relaxation area.
Usara is Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON
