ABUJA – Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, the Minister of State for FCT, on Thursday advised intending pilgrims to the 2014 Hajj to Saudi Arabia to respect time and keep to flight schedules.
Akinjide gave the advice while inaugurating the newly appointed FCT Amirul Hajj for the 2014 pilgrimage, Alhaji Idris Musa.
Akinjide, who observed that pilgrims often failed to meet their flight schedule, said the attitude must be discouraged.
She said the 2014 airliner for the transportation of intending pilgrims was Saudi airline that would operate in accordance with international best standards and would not give room for unnecessary delays.
She said: “This year’s intending pilgrims should adhere strictly to the flight schedules because the airliner assigned to airlift them to the holy land is a Saudi airline that is not used to our operations.
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“In fact, whoever misses his or her flight should blame him or herself as the issue would be treated in accordance with international standards,’’ she said.
She said that the outbreak of the Ebola virus almost marred the 2014 pilgrimage and advised the FCT hajj committee to ensure that every intending pilgrim was properly screened before being transported to the holy land.
“Experience has shown that each year comes with its own peculiarity. This year it is the Ebola Virus Disease which nearly marred the exercise.
“It is very important that you make sure that each and every intending pilgrim is screened by medical personnel and declared fit for the exercise before embarking on the journey.
“The primary responsibility of the committee is to ensure that the pilgrims’ welfare is not compromised in any way,’ the minister said.
Responding, Musa described the responsibility placed on his shoulders as “sensitive and urged officials of the exercise to work as one family.
“I want us to be extra patient; we should lower ourselves and be tolerant,’’ the Amirul Hajj advised.
Other members of the committee included Alhaji Umar Kuso, Secretary; Alhaji Isah Garba and Mrs Olasumbo Goodluck. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
Minister cautions intending pilgrims on keeping to flight schedules
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