The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the National Christian Pilgrims’ Commission (NCPC) have pledged to promote stronger ties to help unite the followers of both faiths.
The two bodies made the pledge when the NCPC Chairman, Stephen Adegbite, visited his NAHCON counterpart, Abdullahi Usman, at the Hajj House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
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This was contained in a statement on Thursday by NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Usara.
Mr Usman, a professor, described the relationship between the two pilgrimage commissions as harmonious, referencing the peaceful coexistence exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with Christians in Madinah.
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He lauded the symbolic meeting of the two religious leaders and promised to reciprocate the visit soon.
He emphasised that sustained cooperation and goodwill between the two commissions would help unite followers of both faiths.
He reiterated that there should be no room for discord between Muslims and Christians and commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support of both NAHCON and NCPC.
In his remarks, Mr Adegbite, a bishop, called for stronger collaboration between NAHCON and NCPC, encouraging frequent engagements between the two commissions.
While congratulating Mr Usman on his appointment, the NCPC chair revealed that 5 February marked his first year in office.
He praised President Tinubu for his fairness in handling religious affairs in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the president’s reform agenda, stating that after hardship comes prosperity.
Mr Adegbite also offered prayers for the country and NAHCON.
Read statement:
Strengthening Interfaith Harmony
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, welcomed the Chairman of the National Christian Pilgrims’ Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who paid a courtesy visit at the Hajj House office in Abuja.
Professor Usman described the relationship between the two pilgrimage commissions as harmonious, referencing the peaceful coexistence exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with Christians in Madinah.
He lauded the symbolic meeting of the two religious leaders and promised to reciprocate the visit soon. He emphasised that sustained cooperation and goodwill between the two commissions would help unite followers of both faiths. He reiterated that there should be no room for discord between Muslims and Christians and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of both NAHCON and NCPC.
Bishop Adegbite, in his remarks, called for stronger collaboration between NAHCON and NCPC, encouraging frequent engagements between the two commissions.
While congratulating Professor Usman on his appointment, Bishop Adegbite revealed that February 5 marked his first year in office. He praised President Tinubu for his fairness in handling religious affairs in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the President’s reform agenda, stating that after hardship comes prosperity. The Bishop also offered prayers for the country and the Commission.
Other senior officials of NAHCON, including the Commissioner of Planning, Research, Information, Statistics and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the visit as an honour and prayed for continued understanding and cooperation among followers of both religions. The Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing Service (OIL), Prince Anofiu Olarewaju Elegushi, commended Bishop Adegbite as a brother who fosters religious unity, recalling that their relationship dates back to their time in Lagos when Prince Elegushi was Commissioner of Home Affairs.
NAHCON remains committed to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj with ease, dignity, and affordable cost. Additionally, the Commission will continue to promote religious harmony and cooperation, recognising the importance of unity in national development.
Signed
Fatima Sanda Usara
Assistant Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON
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