Abdulfattah Abdussalam
Before his death, he was a member of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), which takes care of Nigerian pilgrims
In a manner in sync with the principle and understanding of Islam that death can occur at unexpected times and spaces, the demise of Malam Danlami Umar of HASHA Travels and Tours, who slumped and died in Abuja, as he made his way to the venue of a National Hajj Commission of Nigeria interactive meeting with the executives and members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), is a sad reminder of ephemeral, life we live in the world.
Alh. Mousa Ubandawaki, a Deputy Director of Information and publications of NAHCON, in a press release, announced his death and conveyed Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, OON, Fwc, the chairman (acting) of the Commission’s deep-felt sympathy to the family of the Managing Director of HASHA Travels, who slumped and died while coming to the venue of a meeting at the Hajj house, Abuja. In the press release, Malam Jalal Arabi described death as inevitable. “Death is inevitable. As Muslims, we believe that a second cannot be added when one time comes. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and associates at this sorrowful time. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and give members of his family the fortitude to bear the loss”.
As an astute administrator, Malam Arabi deployed resources of the NAHCON to ensure the late Malam Danlami Umar had a befitting burial after all medical attention failed. His dead body was taken back to Mina, Niger state, in an ambulance provided by the NAHCON Management. Malam Arabi, also led the Management team on the condolence visit to the family in Minna, Niger State. He was accompanied, on the condolence visit by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rabiu Kontagora, the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, the Head of Tour Operators Division, Alhaji Ahmad Shira and some Executive members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah operators of Nigeria (AHOUN).
Before his death, he was a member of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), which takes care of Nigerian pilgrims who may want to travel to Saudi Arabia for holy pilgrimages, Hajj or Umrah.
Notwithstanding his death; Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, OON Fwc speaking during an interactive meeting with the executives and members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) as part of the Chairman’s consultation drive, the CEO stated that in collaboration with the association, NAHCON would address the challenges facing the Hajj by ensuring that there is a robust partnership between the two organizations. He describes AHUON as a dependable organization that he expected to support and cooperates with the Commission to ensure service delivery to the Pilgrims. “I want to express profound gratitude to the association for being a dependable partner of NAHCON. There is no denying the facts that anyone involved in Pilgrimage knows the symbiotic relationship between the Commission and AHUON; even though we supervise and superintend over you, I extend our hands of fellowship to you so that we can get the best for our pilgrims”.
In addition, Malam Arabi assures the Commission will continue to discharge its responsibilities with openness and transparency. “In me, you have a formidable partner, and we will work with you with openness, transparency, honesty and accountability and in the best interest of the Pilgrims.”
In his response, the president of AHUON, Alhaji Yahaya Nasidi Danbare, expressed the member’s willingness to support and cooperate with the NAHCON to achieve its objectives and are ready to work with NAHCON to ensure Nigerian Pilgrims are well-treated during pilgrimages. “We appreciate the support and backing of NAHCON, which has assisted us in the airlift of all our Pilgrims to the Holy land during the 2023 Hajj, and we look forward to more collaboration and cooperation towards achieving greater feats in the forthcoming 2024 Hajj”.
The meeting was the first major meeting with AHUON members and executives since his assumption as the Acting Chairman of the commission and the meeting centred on a 10-point Agenda which included how to ensure timely reconciliation, allocation of Pilgrims slots as well as remittance to the NAHCON’s IBAN Account to enables it meets its obligations and the Saudi Arabia timeline.