By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has inaugurated a 7- Man Ministerial Committee to oversee the success of the FCT 2025 Hajj exercise.
Mahmoud inaugurated the committee in her chaired by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Administration and Strategic, Dr. Abdullahi Kauranmata.
The minister who noted that the pilgrimage is a significant spiritual exercise for Muslims charged the committee to ensure that every intending pilgrim from the Federal Capital Territory embarks on this sacred journey with the highest standards of care, dignity, and efficiency.
She also urged the members to ensure dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to the task.
“This year, we are guided by three key pillars: efficiency, transparency, and safety.”
“Every committee member has a role to play in upholding transparency and professionalism in all aspects while in the Holy Land,” and she urged the committee to proactively address issues from experiences”, she said.
The Minister added that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the committee include, but are not limited to, the general supervision and coordination of all FCT Hajj activities from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia until the return of the last flight back to Nigeria; providing advice and guidance during the operation; ensuring that the welfare of the FCT pilgrims is given premium importance throughout the exercise; and ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims.
Other responsibilities include ensuring adherence to all rules governing the 2025 Hajj operations; ensuring compliance with all new policies and programmes introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2025 Hajj; and submitting a report to the Minister of State FCT with recommendations, among others.
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Abdullahi Kauranmata, who spoke on behalf of the members, described the trust placed in them as sacred, adding that the committee is not just planning a trip but facilitating a profound religious obligation for thousands of FCT residents.
He therefore, called on the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board to see the committee’s work as complementary, as he called for open dialogue, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Kauranmata assured the Minister that the committee would make the FCT contingent a model for Hajj operations in Nigeria.
Members of the committee consists of Muhammad Haruna Aris, Director of Funds FCT; Danlami Ibrahim, Deputy Director Audit; HRH Awwal Musa Ijkoro, representing the traditional institution; Mal. Mudan Umar Bebeji, representing the Ulamas; Hajiya Jamila Aliko Maishanu, representing the community; and Na’Allah Ado, Assistant Director, FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, who served as secretary of the committee.
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