Friends and families gathered on Sunday to appreciate and extol the virtues of the immediate past Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan.
The torrential accolades were given at the grand reception organised in honour of the former NAHCON’s boss.
The reception was organised by The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions.
Speakers at the historic event took turns to hail Alhaji Hassan over his capability and ability to take NAHCON to a high level while in office.
Senator Shuaib Salis (Ogun Central) in his goodwill message at the well attended function recalled that the courage and skill demonstrated by Hassan while at the helms of affairs at the NAHCON was the reaffirmation of the same feat he displayed while leading the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria at different levels in the past.
Salis restated that Hassan is reputed for standard and efficiency.
The National Amir of The Companion, Engr. Kamil Olalekan, said the reception was organised to honour the former NAHCON boss as a committed member of the organisation.
As attested by many speakers at the event, Olalekan affirmed that Hassan is a teacher to many Companion members who have gone through MSSN training.
While describing ex-NAHCON boss as a motivator for many Companion members and for always identifying with the group’s members as well as for being able to distinguish himself when saddled with the national assignment, the National amir submitted that it was really worth it “to go to town and celebrate” Hassan.
The Companion Amir also described Hassan as an “enigmatic personality” blessed with modesty and abundant values.
He prayed that Allah spared his life and for many better opportunities to come his way so that he could continue to add value to humanity.
Speaking during an interview with the newsmen on the state of the nation at the event, Hassan stressed that “tough times don’t last, but tough people last”, admitting that things are tough in the country as many Nigerians could not pay their bills due to meagre incomes.
Despite this, the ex-NAHCON head urged Nigerians to be tolerant and forge ahead by struggling for survival, just as it was done during COVID-19 pandemic.
While noting that no challenge is insurmountable, Alhaji Hassan called on Nigerians to be resolute.
He urged the government to do more and citizens to pray more, assuring that the country would overcome the ravaging socio-economic challenges.
Speaking on his experiences and challenges as the NAHCON boss, Alhaji Hassan declared that Hajj is not a tea party as it involved movement of logistics and human beings.
He asserted that as long as the country still battles the foreign exchange crisis, the challenge of Hajj affordability would persist.
Still, he expressed confidence in the capacity and competence of his successor, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, to conduct a successful Hajj exercise.
He recalled that his appointment as the NAHCON Chairman was eventful, thanking the organisers of the reception and all his well wishers.
He commended the current Hajj body’s leadership and called for support from all stakeholders.
Also speaking during an interview on the mood of the nation at the reception, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District VI, Dr. Shareefah Yusuf, urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders for guidance, admonishing them to exercise patience and perseverance.
Other speakers at the event were: former Minister of Interior and one time Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; President, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; former Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire. and former MUSWEN Executive Secretary, Prof. Dawud Noibi.
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The reception was also graced by many present and past leaders of The Companion and Criterion.
The list included Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola; Musbau Oyefeso; Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike; Alhaji Abdul Fattah Abdul Majeed; Alhaji Waliyu Onibon; current National Noib Amir of the Companion, Imam Nojeem Jimoh; The Companion, Lagos, Oyo and Kwara District Amirs, Alhaji AbdulKabir Olayiwola Baruwa, Alhaji Nuraen Zakariyah and Alhaji Ismail Okunlola respectively; and Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.
Also in attendance were veteran journalist, Alhaji Liad Tella; and members of The Criterion, the female wing of The Companion, among many others.
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