Few hours after the chairman, CEO Eminasta Travels and Tours, Alhaji Ahmed Yellow Abubakar said that the 2021 hajj for foreign pilgrims is not feasible, advising the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, to cancel the exercise in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, reactions have been trailing his views particularly from his colleagues in the same industry.
While some maintained that there was no need for cancellation, others said that their only source of livelihood is being killed. They said they have not recovered from the total loss of last year cancellation when the pandemic ravaged the world and felt that they should heave a sigh of relief this year by giving them the opportunity to participate in this year’s hajj, especially when they have complied with the basic requirements of complete dose of covid-19 vaccination.
Read Also: Nigeria should cancel 2021 hajj — Yellow Abubakar Says: Saudi Arabia not ready to receive foreign pilgrims
No, Nigeria should participate — Akanbi, CEO, LIBRAGOLD GROUP
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Libragold Group, Mrs Zhikrah Akanbi opined that Nigeria should not cancel the exercise, adding that Hajj is a spiritual journey and any country that meets the requirements should be allowed to exercise their religious rights.
“I don’t think Nigeria should cancel this year’s Hajj if Saudi opens its doors for Hajj and gives Nigeria allocation.
“Hajj is a spiritual journey and we know that this are unusual times, if we are able to meet the set rules and regulations as published by Saudi Arabia, then nothing should stop us from participating in the Hajj.
“Saudi commenced Umrah since January and Nigerian pilgrims have participated successfully without any known cases of casualties.
“Again, we have started obtaining the covid-19 vaccine which is a prerequisite for performing Hajj this year, so really and truly, I believe the coast is clear for a successful Hajj operation.
“Even though the number allowed for Hajj May be small, but whoever meets the requirements and not minding the cost, should be allowed to exercise their religious rights.
It’s affecting our business — Hamada Al Bint Travels, Kano
Muhammad, Hamada Al Bint Travels Kano in his submission, said the situation is adversely affecting private Tour operators whose source of income and livelihood depend on Hajj and Umrah travels. According to him,: “I am short of words and this is really affecting everyone and mostly travel agencies that focus on only Umrah and Hajj.
With this present development, it’s two years without work.
I really wish they can allow Nigeria to take part even with a fixed number of pilgrims which should be divided equally all over the country.”
No matter the number, let us perform hajj —Yusuff Int’l Travels
Also, Alhaji Yusuff, of Al- Yusuff International Travels & Tours Ltd said there was no need for cancellation. He added that If Saudi Arabia eventually gives slots to Nigeria, no matter the number, the government should allow Nigerian pilgrims to perform the hajj.
