Independent Hajj Reporters, a Nigeria-based pro-Hajj media group, has commended the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Bin Mahmoud-Bostaji for his hard work, openness and simplicity in the process of executing Hajj policies in Nigeria.
The group, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed in Abuja on Thursday, said Mahmoud-Bostaji’s diplomatic finesse was a contributory factor to the success recorded in Hajj operations in Nigeria.
“During 2018 hajj, for example, Mr Bostaji resumed office as Ambassador to Nigeria just a week before the commencement of airlift of intending pilgrims; yet, he personally attended the inaugural flight ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. He also waited until the flight departed before he left.
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”Secondly, the Saudi embassy organised a special iftar during Ramadan fast and Mr Bostaji not only personally stood at the gate to welcome all guests but mentioned each one present by their first name as he went round to greet his guests.
”Those who are fortunate to have an interface with the ambassador are often quite surprised that the representative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques can be so accessible to virtually anyone that desire to meet him.
“More so, his decision to make his contacts available to journalists and stakeholders in the Hajj industry is exemplary,” the statement noted.
”We thank the ambassador for sustaining and consolidating the age-long relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, especially during hajj operation in the media, ” the group added.
The statement further said: ”his support to hajj and Umrah exercise made the Nigeria hajj apex regulatory body to issue a commendation letter in appreciation of his cooperation and support.
”Also, his commitment and support to Nigerian media in the coverage of hajj activities in Nigeria is historical in the context of what is obtained before his arrival.
”We consider this diplomatic finesse as a contributory factor to the success recorded in Hajj operations so far and hope he will continue to operate his open diplomatic structure for the benefit of our dear pilgrims and Muslim Ummah in general,” the group stressed.
The civil society, however, urged Mr Bostaji to introduce an annual parley with Muslim media personalities who have devoted time and contribute more to promoting Islam in order to create a bond between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
