Hajj
By Mohammad Tijjani
Kaduna, Sept 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has called on Hajj managers at Federal, State and Local Government levels to put more emphasis on staff training, particularly on Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge.
The NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar, made the call in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Yunusa Abdullahi, in Kaduna on Friday.
Mukhtar, who also addressed Kaduna State Pilgrims Board officials at Makkah, Saudi Arabia, said that very soon, Hajj managers without computer knowledge would have no business in organising Hajj activities.
The NAHCON chairman said that the world was changing and everything about Hajj preparations had gone digital.
“This means that very soon, let’s say from next year any pilgrim registration officer that is not computer literate should have no business in Hajj preparation and activities.
“Saudi Arabia officials have since gone far in using ICT during hajj activities. So, it will be difficult for Hajj officials without computer knowledge to operate.
“This is why we are urging state pilgrims board to ensure that they train and retrain their staff on computer knowledge,’’ Mukhtar said.
He also said that members of staff of the pilgrims board were supposed to build the capacity of their staff on human relations and hospitality as they directly deal with the pilgrims.
“States need qualified staff with computer knowledge to handle the registration of their pilgrims online as well as make payment for accommodation and for other services in Saudi Arabia because everything is now done online’’, the NAHCON chairman added.
Mukhtar said that Kaduna State performed well this year, saying he was very proud of the state in terms of its expertise in Hajj operations.
“I’m proud of Kaduna state and I’m happy that every year you come with good team which is why you always lead other states when it comes to Hajj operations.
“Therefore, Kaduna needs to lead in terms of training of the staff because other states have already taken the challenge of building the capacity of their staff in computer but I think Kaduna should be the one leading,’’ he said.
Mukhtar also cautioned NAHCON staff as well as those of the state pilgrims board to always fear their creator and do their jobs with justice and fairness.
He warned members of staff against misconduct or cheating pilgrims, noting that doing so would attract severe punishment hereafter. (NAN)
TJ/GOM/AJA
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Adeleye Ajayi