By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has inaugurated a 7- man committee to run the 2024 Hajj operations for proper implementation of policies for the Muslim Pilgrims and the welfare board both onshore and offshore.
Mahmoud said that FCT was among the three states, FCT, Nasarawa, and Kebbi were first to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.
“We are happy to witness this 2024 Hajj operations, as activities have started, and we have to commend the board for what they have been doing since we have started.”
“Hajj operation is full of several activities. However, I can assure you that we do not have anything that will prevent us from having a successful airlift for our intending pilgrims. So we thank Almighty Allah for His guidance.”
“I think we’re going to have a seven-member committee, and it is going to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of State of the FCT, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata,” she stated.
The minister commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his supporting the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board with decent accommodation and sundry issues.
According to her, “The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has really done a lot for us. We have taken so many files and all have been approved without any hesitation”.
She, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to succeed in its assignment, saying “I have a feeling that FCT will be the best.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the chairman of the committee and Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata, thanked the FCT Administration for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He emphasised that the confidence will serve as a stimulant for members to deliver on their mandate.
He said, “I want to, on behalf of all of you, inform and assure Her Excellency that the 2024 Hajj operation will be a successful operation for the FCT, Inshallah.”
“We will do all that is necessary to ensure that we deliver on the mandate given to us. I am particularly happy, looking at the caliber of people in the team.”
“These are people who have participated in different assignments including Hajj operations.”
The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the committee include 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; to provide advice and guidance during the course of the operation; to ensure that all the officials, perform their duties optimally, and to ensure safety and security of the pilgrims.
Others ToR include ensuring adherence to all the rules of the 2024 Hajj operations; ensure adherence to all new policies and programmes introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2024 Hajj, to ensure effective implementation of the administration policies and programmes as they affect the Muslim pilgrims, welfare board 2024 Hajj operation; to submit report to the Honourable Ministers with recommendations; and any other activity or any other assignment or any other advice that will contribute to the success of this 2024 Hajj operations.
